
Class_£LN-4„2_ai 

Book.Z WO " 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




TSDENBON L COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful end Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. 



15 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F, 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2Vz hrs (35c) 8 i 

Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 arts. 

2 hrs ^O 

After the Game, 2 acts 154 

hrs. .(2f c ) ! 9 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(35c) 4 4 

All on Account of Polly, 3 acts 

2i4 hrs (35c) 6 10 

And Home Came Ted, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (50c) 6 6 

Arizona Cowboy, 4 acts, 254 

hrs ( 3 ^ 7 5 

Assisted by Sadie, 4 acts, 2}4 

hrs (=>0c) 6 6 

As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 

2J4 hrs -.• •• (3Sc) 9 / 

At the End of the Rainbow 3 

acts, 2J4 hrs (35c) 6 14 

Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 9 3 

Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, Wx hrs 

(25c) • l/ 

Boy Scouts' Good Turn, 3 acts, 

134 hrs (25c) 16 2 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts 2/4 

hrs -(25c) 7 3 

Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 



(25c) 



10 



Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2<4 h. (2dc) 7 
Call of the Colors, 2 acts, 1 54 

hrs (25c) 4 

Call of Wohelo, 3 acts 1 [Vx 

hrs .(25c) 

Camouflage of Shirley, 3 acts 

24 hrs (35c) 8 10 

Civil Service, 3 acts, 2 1 4 hrs. 

(35c) o o 

College Town, 3 acts, 2 $4 

hrs V,V (3 ^ C) 

Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2% hrs. 

(35c) 5 i> 

Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(35c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts 2*4 

hrs -- (25c) , 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 254 brs (3oc) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr . . (25c) . 10 
Enchanted Wood, lVx h (3.-»c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, 3 acts, 154 h. (25c) 7 6 
Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs ( 2;3C ) 4 4 

For the Love of Johnny 3 

acts, 254 hrs (50c) 6 3 

Fun on the Podunk Limited. 

11/2 hrs (30c) 9 14 

Gettin' Acquainted, 25 min. 

(35c) 1 2 

Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 art- 

2 hrs. (35c) 3 5 



High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 12 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 2 

In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2 54 

his (23c) 6 4 

Jayville Junction, 1% hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 

2% hrs ...(35c)10 9 

Kingdom of Heart's Content 3 

acts, 254 hrs (35c) 6 12 

Laughmg Cure, 2 acts, Wx hrs. 

(35c) .;; 4 5 

Lighthouse Nan, 3 acts, 254 

hrs VV ( 1° C) 5 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2 54 hrs. 

(25c) • 7 4 

Little Clodhopper, 3 acts 2 

hrs (35c) 3 4 

Mirandy's Minstrels (30c) Optnl. 

Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown 3 

acts, 254 hrs .-OSc) 4 7 

My Irish Rose, 3 acts, 254 hrs. 

(35 C ) 6 6 

Old Maid's Club, W2 hrs. (30c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts \ 

hrs ( 2:,c - ) $ 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler 

154 hrs (3Uc)li y 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

2V 2 hrs (25c)10 - 

Poor Married Man, 3 acts - 

hrs (35c) 4 4 

Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2^h.(35c) 7 4 
Real^Thing After All,3 ( act.. ? ? 

R ^trs. R r. e °:.. 2 .. a . C ^(3 2 5c)1012 

Ruth in a Rush, 3 acts, 254 

hrs ( 35c) 5 7 

Safety First, 3 acts, 

214 hrs (35c) 5 

Southern Cinderella, 3 acts 2 

hrs (J0c) 7 

Spark o^Life, 3 acts, (25c)4 4 

Spell hi OftheImage : 3acts. 3 2 54 ioio 

Star Bright, 3 acts, 254 h. (35c) 6 
Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts. 

2 hrs (2jc) 6 4 

Thread of Destiny. 3 acts 254 

hrs (3oc) 9 16 

Ton v. the Convict, 5 acts, 254 

hrs • (25c) / 4 

Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 254 hrs. 

(35 C ) 6 18 

Trip to Storyiand, VA hrs. (25c) 17 23 
Uncle Tosh, 4 acts, 2 54 hrs. (25c) 8 o 
Under' Blue Skies, 4 acts 2 

hrs (35c) / 10 

When Smith Stepped Oui. 3 

acts, 2 h-s (30c) 4 4 

Whose Little Bride Are You? 

3 acts, 254 hrs (50c) 5 

Winning Widow. 2 acts, 154 hrs. 



(?5c) 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,1^4W.^andolphSt..Ch^ 



SCHOOLROOM 
ENTERTAINMENTS 

DIALOGUES, EXERCISES. RECITATIONS, 

PLAYS, FOLK DANCES, ETC. 

FOR USE IN THE 

SCHOOLROOM 



BY 
MARY MODENA BURNS, A.M. 

AUTHOR OF 

"Her Honor the Mayor," "Good Things 
for Sunday Schools, '' etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S, DENISON & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 






COPYRIGHT, 1920 

BY 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 



©CU597405 
SEP 



FOREWORD 

The little plays and exercises contained in this vol- 
ume are designed in the hope of filling the needs of 
public school performances, educationally as well as 
dramatically. Each exercise contains a distinct lesson. 
The settings are simple, all being intended to be played 
in the schoolroom. Costumes, when any special cos- 
tuming is needed, may be made at home. Elaborate 
costuming tends to develop self -consciousness or van- 
ity in the young- players. 

One of the most valuable cultural assets of children 
is their natural dramatic instinct. President-Emeritus 
Eliot of Harvard said not long ago that the day would 
come when every schoolhouse would be also an ama- 
teur theatre. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Abe Q4 

Lincoln recitation in poetry 

All-United States, The 75 

Exercise for a school. History, geography, patriotism 

Baseball Spelling Match 21 

Easy to arrange; very popular 

Bird Play, The 106 

Songs and dialogue for entire school. Nature study. 
Comedy features 

Books of the Bible 31 

Memory verse 

Boston Tea Party, The 53 

Short prose recitation 

Boy Who Hated Grammar, The 22 

Comedy. Scholars impersonate parts of speech, 
punctuation marks, etc. 

Bravery of Peggy Stewart, The 54 

Revolutionary dialogue 

Complete Hallowe'en Program 33 

Decorations, program, invitations, stunts fully .de- 
scribed 

Doctor Funnybone's Hospital 121 

Funny dialogue. Physiology and hygiene 

Four Winds, The 36 

Indian folk dance for entire school 

Friendly Trees, The . 63 

Complete nature-study play for entire school. Songs, 
etc. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Good Thanksgiving, A I0 4 

Dialogue in verse 

Grandmother's Methods or How to Study . . . .41 
Dialogue. Spelling. Methods of study 

Great Mock Trial of Wind vs. Water g 

Exercise for entire school. Elementary science 

How the Colonies Received the News 52 

Dialogue, Shadow play 

Howe in Philadelphia ': ■ . . 58 

Colonial dialogue 

Living Letters 07 

A novel exercise in pronunciation 

March of the Corn and Wheat States, The ... 84 
School drill with song and geographical dialogue 

Paul Revere 5,6 

Recitation in rhyme 

Rainbow Exercise 2Q 

Drill, song and scientific explanation 

Revolutionary Days 48 

Complete program for school 

Rhyme of Our Presidents, A 1.34 

History memory verse 

Rubbernecks, The 34 

Song and drill for boys. Hallowe'en 

Sergeant Molly Pitcher . . .60 

Costume recitation, prose 

Story of the Cherry Tree, The 49 

Comedy shadow pantomime 

Surrender of Cornwallis, The 61 

Shadow picture 

Ten Commandments in Verse 74 

Short memory exercise 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Washington 47 

Short dialogue in verse 

What Caused the War of 1776 50 

Dialogue, shadow pantomime 

Wonders of the World 116 

Dialogue 7 girls, 7 boys 

Words for a Pronunciation Contest 07 

Words for a Spelling Match g6 

joo commonly misspelled words 

Note. — All the music called for in this book, with a few 
exceptions, may be found in " The Golden Book of Favorite 
Songs," which we will send postpaid upon receipt of price, 15 
cents. They are old airs familiar to nearly every one. 



Schoolroom Entertainments 



HE GREAT MOCK TRIAL OF WIND VS. 
WATER 



Characters: 

Science, the judge. May be played by a girl draped 
in a sheet, with the words " Science " on sign on cos- 
tume ; or by a boy in collegiate cap and gown. 

Echo, the court crier. A small boy dressed in police- 
man's play suit, or a small girl in white, carrying a 
banner reading " Echo." 

Benjamin Franklin, ~ 
a juryman. 

Robert Fulton, 
a juryman. 

Thomas Edison, 



a juryman. 
William Ferrel, 

a juryman. 
Robert Peary, 

a juryman. 
John Burroughs, 

a juryman. 



The six jurymen are boys 
in ordinary attire, or dressed 
as men, with long coats, top 
hats, canes, etc. 



Wind. A boy or girl in ordinary costume bearing 
banner inscribed " Wind." 

Cyclone. Boy or girl bearing banner inscribed " Cy- 
clone." 



io SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Anti-Cyclone. Boy or girl bearing banner "Anti- 
Cyclone." 

Hurricane. Girl dressed in gray bearing banner 
" Hurricane." 

Thunder. Boy wrapped in long, trailing black cloak 
with word " Thunder " stitched on it in white. 
Cymbals. „ 

Lightning. Girl in long trailing shawl or cloak with 
-flashes of sinuous lightning cut out from red or silver 
paper on it. Bears banner inscribed "Lightning." 

Tornado. Boy draped in black cloak or shawl. Car- 
ries toy whistle. * 

Chinook. Boy or girl in Indian play costume. 

Norther. Boy in cowboy play costume. 

Water. Boy or girl bearing banner reading " Water." 
May wear sailor or middie costume. 

Stratus Clouds. Girl in gray drapery. Gray veil- 
ing over head and face. 

Cumulus Clouds. Girl draped in white sheet. She 
wears a hood like Rosea in the famous Sargent pic- 
ture. This hood is covered with white cotton. 

Cirrus Clouds. Blue dress with white gauze drapery. 
White veil over head and face. 

Rain. Boy draped in gray shawl. Carries sprinkling 
can. 

Hail. Boy draped in gray shazvl. Carries small bag 
of rice to represent hail. 

Snow. Girl dressed in black with small bits of cotton 
sewed on to represent snow. 

Fog. Girl dressed in gray. Gray draperies of gauze. 
Gray veil. 

Sleet. Boy draped in white sheet. 

Dew. Girl dressed in white. 

Science seated at desk. Echo in attendance. 

Science. The first case on the docket is one of libel 
brought by Water against Wind. Water claims that 
it has been libelled by Wind because the latter has 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 



stated that it is of more importance to the world than 
Water. Echo, call in the jury. 
Echo. The jury! (salutes). 

Echo exits and returns followed by the six Jury- 
men. They take seats at right. Echo stands at left. 

Science. The first juryman. 

Echo. The first juryman. 

Franklin (rises). I am Benjamin Franklin, born 
Jan. 17, 1706, died April 17, 1790. Surely I am known 
to Science. 

Science. Indeed you are. You are known to every 
one. I remember one day I was asking a class of 
very young students if any of them knew what a pen- 
dulum was. Only one hand was raised. " Well, 
Johnny," said I, " what can you tell us of the pendu- 
lum ? " Johnny arose with suppressed excitement, 
looked me square in the face and said with a tone of 
great triumph, " Pendulum Franklin," and took his 
seat. (Laughter.) 

Franklin. I exhibited in a distinct form the theory 
of positive and negative electricity and by my famous 
experiment with a kite I proved that lightning and 
electricity are identical. I invented the lightning rod 
for the protection of buildings and I discovered that 
most storms move across the country from west to 
east. (Resumes his seat.) 

Science. The second juryman. 

Echo. The second juryman. 

Fulton (rises). I am Robert Fulton, born in Penn- 
sylvania in- 1765, died in New York City in 181 5. I 
invented the first submarine or plunging boat, and in 
1807 proved that steam could be applied to propel ves- 
sels with entire success. My first steamboat, the Cler- 
mont, made a progress on the Hudson River of five 
miles per hour. (Resumes his seat.) 

Science. The third juryman. 



12 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Echo. The third juryman. 

Edison (rises). I am Thomas Edison, born in 
Milan, O., in 1847. More than 300 patents have been 
issued on my inventions, which include the phonograph, 
a long-distance telephone, the incandescent electric 
lamp, and a storage battery for street cars and automo- 
biles. (Sits.) 

Science. The fourth juryman. 
Echo. The fourth juryman. 

Ferrel (rises). I am William Ferrel. I was a 
school teacher in Nashville, Tenn., and a self-taught 
mathematician. In 1856 I discovered an explanation 
of the general wind system of the globe. If a mass of 
air starts to move on the earth's surface, it deviates to 
the right in the northern hemisphere, to the left in the 
southern hemisphere, and tends to move in a circle the 
radius of which depends upon its velocity and the lati- 
tude of the place. (Sits.) 
Science. The fifth juryman. 
Echo. The fifth juryman. 

Peary (rises). I am Robert Peary, an Arctic ex- 
plorer and civil engineer in the United States navy. 
I was born in Pennsylvania in 1856. On April 6, 1909, 
I discovered the North Pole. (Sits.) 
Science. The sixth juryman. 
Echo. The sixth juryman. 

Burroughs (rises). I am John Burroughs, natural- 
ist and descriptive writer. I was born in Roxbury, 
N. Y., in 1837. I love nature, the hills and valleys, 
the rivers and ravines. I love the birds and have 
watched them and studied them for years. I have 
described the birds and animals, and the natural beau- 
ties of my country as no other writer has ever described 
them. I have taken thousands of readers with me on 
delightful journeys close to nature's heart, in this 
country, and in many European trips. (Sits.) 
Science. Call Water, the plaintiff. 
Echo. Water, the plaintiff. 



SC UOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 13 

Science. And the Clouds, Rain, Hail, Snow, Fog 
and Sleet, witnesses for the plaintiff. 
. Echo. Witnesses for the plaintiff. 

The school sings some pretty, appropriate song. 
During the song enter Water, the Clouds, Rain, 
Hail, Snow, Fog and Sleet. They march about 
room, then line up on left. Water in front. 

Science. Rain, take the stand. 

Echo. Take the stand! (Rain takes chair at 
right of center.) 

Rain. I am Rain. Water vapor is present at all 
times in the atmosphere as an invisible gas. If you 
heat a pan of water on the stove, it will soon begin to 
boil and finally will disappear. It has turned into 
water vapor and is invisible. 

Science. How can you prove that it is still present 
in the air, although not visible? 

Rain. Take a tin cup and fill it full of ice. That 
lowers its temperature and also the temperature of the 
air in contact with the cup. Finally drops of water 
will collect on the outside of the cup where the air 
has been cooled below its dew point. 

Science. What is meant by the term dew-point? 

Rain. It is a degree of temperature at which the 
air is saturated. That is, the air can contain no more 
water-vapor at that temperature. If the temperature 
is lowered, even a trifle, or if more water vapor is 
added by evaporation, it must become visible as drops 
of water. This is called condensation. 

Science. And what is rain? 

Rain. Rain is condensed water vapor, no longer 
invisible, but plainly visible as water drops. It is 
heavier than air and therefore falls to earth feeding 
the hungry flowers and grass, quenching the thirst of 
mankind, making the powerful rivers and the mighty 
seas. 

Science. You have answered well. Stand aside. 
Call the Clouds. 



i 4 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Rain stands at rear. The three Clouds cross to 
right center. 

Echo. The Clouds! 

Stratus Cloud. I am Stratus Cloud. My name 
means " layer " and I cause what is known as " gray 
weather." I am a thick, gray, low-lying horizontal 
cloud-sheet about 2100 feet above the earth. The 
south wind brings large quantities of warm wet air 
from the south and carries it over the colder surfaces 
farther north. As a result this warm air is cooled 
below the dew point and stratus clouds result. If 
more warm air is imported, or if the air is cooled decid- 
edly below the dew point, I am unable to hold up such 
a great weight of water and rain results. 

Cumulus Cloud. I am Cumulus Cloud. I gen- 
erally appear like a mountain in the sky, with flat base 
and white rounded top that looks like an exploded 
cotton bale. My top is about 6000 feet above the 
earth. Cumulus Clouds are formed by convection. 
Warm air at the earth's surface sometimes becomes 
warmer than the air that surrounds it. It therefore 
rises and coming into regions of less air pressure, it 
then expands. This expansion causes cooling and 
when the dew point is passed, the excess moisture con- 
denses in the form of clouds. Convection only occurs 
during the day, when the sun is shining on the earth, 
and more often in summer than in winter. 

Cirrus Cloud. I am Cirrus Clouds, the thin, 
whispy, white clouds that float high in the sky. I am 
about 28,000 feet above the earth and unlike the other 
clouds, I am not composed of water drops. 

Science. Not composed of water drops? Why, I 
thought all clouds were composed of water drops. 

Cirrus Cloud. You forget how high I am and 
how cold it is in my aerial home. Temperature, as a 
rule, decreases 1 degree Fahrenheit, for every 300 
feet of elevation. Therefore instead of beine: com- 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 15 

posed of water drops, Cirrus Clouds are made up of 
icy-crystals. 

Science. Call Fog to the stand. 

Echo. Fog to the stand! (Fog crosses to right 
center.) 

Fog. I am Fog. When the air near the earth's 
surface becomes saturated with water, Fog generally 
forms, the condensation taking place on dust or some 
other particle in the air. Winter fogs are caused by 
warm, wet air from the south becoming chilled in 
northern climes. Autumn fog is caused by the long 
cold nights when heat is radiated from the earth and 
the temperature of the air is forced beyond the dew 
point. 

Science. Call Hail, Snow and Sleet. 

Echo. Hail, Snow and Sleet. (These characters 
take their places, as the Clouds and Fog retire to back- 
er ound.) 

Hail. Hail generally occurs in summer at the be- 
ginning of a thundershower. A water drop forms 
high up in the air, winds carry it up even higher and 
it freezes and is coated with snow, then it falls again 
and is coated with water. Again it is forced upwr.rd 
by the wind and another coating of snow is formed. 
It falls and finally becomes so heavy that it falls to the 
earth as a frozen sphere with alternate layers of ice 
and snow. 

Snow. When the condensation causes precipitation 
while the temperature is below the freezing point, snow- 
flakes are formed. During very cold weather the 
snowflakes are always small, flat and regular and have 
angles of 60 degrees, or 120 degrees, which are char- 
acteristic of crystallized water. If the temperature is 
below zero, Fahrenheit, fine ice needles are formed in- 
stead of snowflakes. During warmer weather the 
snowflakes often clot together. Much of the winter 
rain probably left the cloud as snow and melted dur- 
ing the descent. 



16 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Sleet. Sleet forms when the temperature of the 
cloud is above 32 degrees while the lower layers of 
air are below the freezing point. It is simply rain 
frozen before it reaches the earth. 

Science. Call Dew. 

Echo. Dew ! 

Dew (crosses to right center as Hail, Snow and 
Sleet retire). I am Dew. In the early evening, just 
after sunset, the leaves of trees and plants, the grass 
and the ground, lose their heat rapidly by radiation to 
space, and become colder than the overlying air. This 
air loses its heat by radiation and conduction to the 
colder ground, and soon reaches the saturation point. 
Any further lowering of the temperature causes the 
excess moisture in the air to appear on solid objects 
as dew. (Retires to rear.) 

Science. Call the plaintiff, Water. 

Echo. The plaintiff Water. 

Water (crossing to right center). My children 
have spoken for me. The soft, life-giving rain, the 
beautiful clouds that protect from the fierce sunlight, 
the snow that keeps the earth warm like a wonderful, 
white woolen blanket, the oceans, the rivers and the 
streams all speak of the beneficence of water. For 
ages my claim as chief aid to mankind has been undis- 
puted. Now I have heard rumors that Wind disputes 
my claim. Let us hear what she has to say. 

Science. Echo, call the defendant Wind ! 
- Echo. The defendant, Wind ! 

Science. And the witnesses for the defense, Cy- 
clone, Anti-cyclone, Hurricane, Thunder, Lightning. 
Tornado, Chinook, Norther ! 

Echo. Chinook, Norther! 

Science. Call them all. 

Echo. Them aH. 

Science. Tell them to come into court. 

Echo. Come into court! (All look toward left.) 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 17 

Enter from left Wind and her witnesses, while the 
school sings some appropriate song. They march 
around the room. Tornado blowing his zvJiistle and 
Thunder clashing cymbals at intervals. Finally they 
line up at left. Water stands at rear right. Her 
witnesses behind the desk. 

Cyclone (crosses to right center). I am the Cy- 
clone. Many people think I am very dangerous and 
confuse me with my brother, Tornado, but a cyclone 
is a vast whirl of air turning counterclockwise in the 
northern hemisphere, with spirally inflowing winds. 
The air in the center of a cyclone is rare and therefore 
the pressure is low and other air flows in from all sides 
to equalize the pressure. A cyclone is nearly always 
attended by heavy rains and sometimes by thunder and 
lightning. 

Thunder (crashes cymbals). 

Axti-Cvclone (crossing and standing beside Cy- 
clone). I am the Anti-Cyclone. In the center of the 
Anti-Cyclone is an area of heavy air and consequently 
high pressure. Many people call me a High. Winds 
flow outward from the center and turn clockwise in 
the northern hemisphere. I am usually attended by 
clear, cold weather. 

Hurricane (crosses and stands between Cyclone 
and Anti-Cyclone). I am the Hurricane, a whirling 
storm that usually occurs in the tropics. I am really 
another Cyclone, but somewhat smaller and character- 
ized by terrific winds. Cyclones, Anti-Cyclones and 
Hurricanes move across the country in fairly well- 
defined paths, taking about three or four days to cross 
the country. The relative positions of areas of high 
and low pressure enable weather forecasters to predict 
the approaching weather conditions. 

Science. Let Tornado take the stand. 

Echo. Tornado, take the stand! 



18 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

(Cyclone, Anti-Cyclone and Hurricane go to 
rear.) 

Tornado (crosses to right center). I am the Tor- 
nado, the most dangerous of all the storms. I am 
usually formed in the southeastern part of a cyclonic 
area and am always associated with a violent thunder- 
shower. I occur almost exclusively during the warmer 
months of the year and during the hottest part of the 
day. I am characterized by a peculiar black funnel- 
shaped cloud which extends downward from the heavy 
cloud masses above, usually reaches the earth's surface, 
and causes complete devastation wherever it touches. 
The noise that accompanies my passage is tremendous. 
(Whistles.) 

Science. Call Thunder and Lightning! 

Echo. Thunder and Lightning! 

Thunder and Lightning (cross to rigJit center as 
Tornado retires). We are Thunder and Lightning. 

Lightning. Wait a moment, Thunder, let me 
speak first. 

Thunder. That's right; you're a girl. Girls al- 
ways want to speak first and last, too. 

Lightning. Oh, they do, do they? Well, just re- 
member that it is the lightning that causes the thunder. 
If it were not for me, there wouldn't be any Thunder 
at all. As raindrops fall they become heavily charged 
with electricity and as the earth is also charged the 
potential difference becomes so great that an electric 
spark passes between cloud and earth, and a lightning- 
flash is the result. 

Thunder., The lightning flash suddenly heats the 
air which marks its path and causes it to expand 
quickly. This causes a wave of compression to travel 
out in every direction from the path of the flash, and 
Thunder is heard. (Crashes cymbals.) Sound travels 
1090 feet per second, or about a mile in five seconds. 
By counting the number of seconds between the flash 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 19 

and the sound, the distance in miles of the lightning 
from the observer may be estimated. 

Science. Call Chinook and Norther. (Lightning 
and Thunder retire. Chinook and Norther cross 
to right center.) 

Echo. Chinook and Norther. 

Chinook. I am a hot dry wind occurring chiefly 
on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains and I am 
called the Chinook. The air from the Pacific is mov- 
ing eastward and it is forced to rise by the Rocky 
Mountains; it expands and cools and heavy rains re- 
sult. After the top of the mountains is reached, the 
air begins to descend on the eastern side, but it is now 
being compressed and grows warm. Sometimes it is 
40 degrees warmer than before it started its eastward 
journey. 

Norther. I am the Norther, the cold, northwest 
wind that marks the passing of the Cyclone and heralds 
the approach of the Anti-Cyclone. I sometimes sweep 
from my Montana and Wyoming home far to the 
south, bringing snow, sleet or ice-needles down as far 
as central Texas. 

Science. The defendant will take the stand! 

(Chinook and Norther retire and Wind crosses to 
right center.) 

Wind. I am the Wind. If it is too hot I bring 
the cool ocean breezes to lower the temperature. If 
it is too cool I bring the warm south wind to benefit 
mankind. I have been unappreciated too long, and I 
am glad to have this opportunity to explain to all of 
you the wonderful aid I am to the world. Water 
claims to give food to the plants and drink to the 
thirsty world. This is true, but I bring cool breezes 
to the parched, summer-stricken cities. 

Water. Yes, and sometimes you bring cold waves 



20 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

in the winter. And killing frosts in the late spring 
and early fall. 

Wind. When water becomes stagnant in a place it 
breeds disease germs. 

Water. And the tornado destroys farms, cities and 
even counties. 

W x ind. Great floods sweep over our land. 

Water. And high winds destroy many ships at 
sea. 

Wind. Without the wind flowers could not grow. 

Water. Why not, pray? 

Wind. Because I carry the pollen. I aid the birds 
in their flight. I furnish power to windmills. 

Water. And I, too, furnish power to the water 
w r heels. 

Wind. I carry the clouds from place to place. 
' Tis true that when my children become unruly, great 
damage results, but I maintain that it does not com- 
pare with the damage caused by floods. 

Water. Wind carries great masses of sand across 
fertile fields and destroys them. Pure water is the 
greatest gift to mankind 

WrxD. Pure air to breathe is even of more benefit 
than pure water. 

Water. Not at all. Let the jury decide. 

W'ind. Agreed. We'll leave it to the jury. 

Sclenxe. The jury will retire. {Exeunt Jury at 
left.) 

Wind. Of course, I don't bear any ill-will for 
Water. 

Water. Nor I for Wind. 

Science. Certainly not. Shake hands and be 
friends. 

Water. Wind, here's my hand ! 

Wind. And mine ! 

(Song may be introduced by school, or folk dance 
by all the characters.) 

Enter the Jurv. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS z\ 

Franklin. The jury have been unable to reach a 
verdict. We must leave the decision to public opinion. 

Science. I think we have reached a decision our- 
selves. Both Wind and Water are of inestimable serv- 
ice to mankind. Henceforth we will have no more 
debates, but only loving kindness. These two great 
forces for good will unite and all the world will be 
blessed by their loving union. 

(All sing some appropriate song and march out at 
left.) 

CURTAIN 



BASEBALL SPELLING MATCH 

The day before the spelling match the teacher ap- 
points the two best spellers as Captains. They toss a 
bat from one to another, then place hand over hand on 
the bat, the owner of the hand coming out at the top 
being allowed first choice. The entire school is chosen. 
If there is an odd one, he is made the Pitcher, if not 
the Teacher assumes this important position. 

On the day of the match designate the bases, first, 
second, third and home. The Captains act as Catchers 
to catch the misspelled words. Pitcher pronounces the 
words. B Catcher takes his place. A Batter takes 
his place at home base. 

Pitcher pronounces word, if Batter spells it correctly, 
he goes to 1st Base, if Batter misses the word, B 
Catcher spells it, then batter is out and another takes 
his place. 

Proceed as in baseball. As Batter starts to base, if 
someone is already there he moves on to next base. 

Three outs on each side make an inning, and nine 
innings make the game. If a batter passes all three 
bases and gets home, a score is made for his side. 



22 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

THE BOY WHO HATED GRAMMAR 
Scliool Dialogue 

CHARACTERS : 

Billy, the boy who hated grammar. 

Bob, his chum. 

Isabelle, a schoolgirl. 

Marie, her chum. 

Three Articles. (Small children.) 

Three Nouns. ( Three large boys.) 

Two Verbs. (Girls.) 

Two Adverbs. (Smaller girls.) 

Two Adjectives. (Boys.) 

Two Pronouns. (Large girls.) 

Two Prepositions. (Boys.) 

Three Conjunctions. (Girls.) 

Interjections. (Several boys.) 

Periods. # (Smallest girls.) 

Commas. (Smallest boys.) 

Colon. (Boy.) 

Semi -colon. (Girl.) 

Interrogation Mark. (Tall boy.) 

Exclamation Mark. (Tall girl.) 

The Parts of Speech and the Puncl nation Marks 
wear ordinary costumes and on their right arms carry 
shields bearing their name, or mark. 

Scene: A school room. Desk at right. Entrance 
at left. 

Enter Billy from left. 

Billy. All the kids out there's a havin' recess, and 
I gotta stay in and study grammar, jest cause I don't 
talk fine enough to suit the teacher. What difference 
does it make how I talk? Folks all kin understand 
what I mean, and I guess that's enough. It don't 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 23 

make no difference to me whether the subject comes 
before the apostrophe or after it, er whether there's a 
subject at all, er not. I don't care. I should worry. 

Isadelle (heard talking outside). Let's go in the 
school room and talk it over. 

Billy. Here comes that Isabelle Stanley. I'm 
going to hide. (Gets under desk.) I don't want her 
to be rubbering around me. 

Enter Isabelle, Bob and Marie from left. 

Isabelle. There isn't anyone here. Come in. We 
can make out the list in here. 

Bob. I thought Billy had to stay in after school. 

Isabelle. He did. I never saw such a boy. I 
think the teacher should put him back in the first grade. 
His grammar is quite imprudent. 

Bob. Oh, Billy's all right, but he just hates gram- 
mar. 

Marie. I've got the list all ready, Isabelle, but we 
have twelve girls and only seven boys. We can't have 
a party with only seven boys. 

Bob. Why don't you invite Billy? 

Isabelle. Why, the idea ! He doesn't move in our 
set at all. His grammar is perfectly astroctious. 

Marie. He's only careless, Isabelle. His father 
and mother are among the nicest people in town. 

Isabelle. Well, I'll not have anyone at my party 
who doesn't understand the indelicacies of language. 
He says " hadn't ought to " and " them things " and 
11 those kind." My mother disallows me to associate 
with children who make grammastical mistakes. She 
says it will have a bad influence on my own Dickens. 

Marie. You mean your own diction. 

Isabelle. Yes, that's it. {Bell rings.) Come on, 
let's go and invite the others to my party. {They go 
out.) 

Billy {looks off left). Hello, look what's coming 



2 4 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

here. (Stands up and rubs his eyes.) I'll bet a 
niekel I'm asleep and dreaming. It looks like the Jing- 
ling and Bay-rum Circus. 

Music: A march. Enter from left in a straight 
line, marching, the Parts of Speech and the Punctua- 
tion Marks. They -inarch around room, pointing their 
fingers scornfully at Billy as they pass him. Finally 
they all line up on platform, the three Articles in 
front. Billy stands at right looking at them. 

Articles (in unison). 

Three little words we often see 

Are Articles, a, an, and the. 

(They march to left.) 
Nouns (taking their places). 

A Noun's the name of anything; 

As school, or garden, hoop or swing. 

(Go to rear.) . 
Adjectives (taking their place at front). 

Adjectives tell the kind of noun. 

As great, small, pretty, white or brown. (Retire.) 
Pronou ns ( advance ) . 

Instead of Nouns the Pronouns stand ; 

His head, her hat, your arm, my hand. (Retire.) 
Verbs (advance). 

Verbs tell of something being done, 

As read, write, spell, sing, jump or run. (Retire.) 
Adverbs (advance). 

How things are done the Adverbs tell, 

As slowly, quickly, ill or well. 

They also tell us where or when, 

As here or there and now and then. (Retire.) 
Prepositions (advance). 

A Preposition stands before a noun, 

As through a door or in a town. (Retire.) 
Conjunctions (advance). 

Conjunctions join the words together, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 25 

As rain or sunshine, wind and weather. 
Conjunctions sentences unite, 
As " Kittens scratcli but puppies bite." (Retire.) 
Interjections (advance). 

An Interjection shows surprise; 

As, Oh, how pretty! Ah, how wise! (Retire.) 

Billy. Humph! I guess I know what interjec- 
tions is ! 

Verbs (in center). No, no, no! What interjec- 
tions are. 

Billy. That's what I meant, what interjections 
are. 

First Verb. A plural subject always takes a plural 
predicate. 

Billy. Where does he take her to? The picture 
show ? 

Prepositions. Not where does he take her to! 
Just say, where does he take her. Don't overwork 
the poor prepositions. 

Periods (advance). 

Billy. Hello, what are all them funny little things? 

First Preposition. You mean what are all those 
funny little things? 

Billy. All right, let 'er go at that. What are all 
those funny little things? 

Periods. We are Periods, and should be used at 
the end of every complete sentence. We are also used 
at the end of abbreviations. (March to rear.) 

Commas (advance). Commas mark the shortest 
pause that we make in speaking. In many cases our 
use depends upon taste. 

First Comma. Whenever you pause to take a short 
breath, put in a comma. 

Second Comma. To set off words in apposition, to 
separate words in a series from the rest of a sentence, 
and before and after a quotation, you must use us. 
(Commas retire. ) 



26 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Billy. There hain't no use in using commas, and 
I ain't a goin' to use 'em. 

All (throw up hands in horror). What grammar! 
He is murdering the King's English. 

First Noun. Perhaps he doesn't know any better. 

First Verb. Maybe he's only in the kindergarten. 

All. Poor, ignorant little Willie from the kinder- 
garten. 

Billy. I hain't from no kindergarden, and I'know 
a whole lot more than you think I do. 

All. Prove it to us. 

Billy. I don't have to prove it, I admit it. I 
hain't no baby. 

Second Adverb (a little girl). Please don't say 
hain't and ain't. 

Billy. Why not? I ain't going to be dictated to 
by no girl. 

First Adverb. His use of the double negative is 
amazing. Why don't you say, " I ain't never going to 
be dictated to no time ! " Then see if you can't add a 
few more negatives. 

Billy. Are you trying to kid me ? 

First Adverb. Not at all. We are trying to teach 
you grammar. 

Billy. You can't learn me nothin '. 

All. Teach, teach, teach ! You do the learning. 

Billy. Why shouldn't I say ain't and hain't? 

Second Adverb. Ain't is only a vulgarism. I'm 
not is the only possible contraction of I am not. 

First Adverb. And hain't is even worse. 

Colon and Semi-Colon (advance). Colons and 
Semi-Colons require longer pauses than commas and 
shorter pauses than periods. 

Billy. Has cats got longer pawses or shorter 
pawses than dogs? 

First Verb. Say have cats, not has cats. You say 
boys are, not boys is. 

Billy. Sometimes I say boys is. 



SCHOOLROOM EN1 EKTALNMEN1 S 27 

First Verb. I don't doubt it. But it isn't correct. 

Billy. ' Tis to. It's right to say, Boys, is my face 
clean, ain't it? I mean, isn't it?" 

First Verb. Of course, because you are not two- 
faced, you're only one-faced. 

Interrogation Mark (comes forward). I'm the 
Interrogation Point. 

Billy. You look more like a question mark to me. 

Interrogation Mark. So I am sometimes called. 
I am used when a question is asked. 

Exclamation Mark. And I am used to distin- 
guish words and sentences that are exclamatory. 
(Brings Interjections fonvard.) I am usually used 
with Interjections. 

Interjections (yelling). 
Hurrah, hurrah ! 
Ah, eh, tut, tut, alas! 
Oh, O ! pshaw ! my ! 
The Interjection Class! 

Quotation Marks (come forward). We always 
appear when anyone begins to speak. But most chil- 
dren forget us. We're the Quotation Marks. 

First Pronoun (points to blackboard sentence and 
reads it). Let's you and I go. Billy, is that correct? 

Billy. Search me. It sounds all right to me. 

First Pronoun. It means, " Let us go." Now, 
you can't say, " Let I go," can you ? 

Billy. No, that doesn't sound right. 

First Pronoun. Then correct the sentence. 

Billy. Let us go. 

First Pronoun. Correct; or, Let you and me go. 

Second Pronoun {reads second sentence from 
board). He is as good as me. 

Billy. It should be, He is as good as I. Because 
it means that he is as good as I am good. The I is 
Nominative Case. 



28 SC HOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Nouns (clapping hands). Very good, Billy. 

Billy (pointing to third sentence and reading it). 
She is as tall as him. That ain't right. I mean — 
that isn't right. She is as tall as he. 

Pronouns (applauding). Correct. You'll be a 
grammarian yet. 

Billy (reading fourth sentence). Nobody said so 
but he. He is nominative case and it should be objec- 
tive after the preposition but. Nobody said so but 
him. 

First Pronoun (reading next sentence). Where 
are you going ? Who ? me ? 

Billy. It should be "Who? I?" for it means 
where am I going, not where is me going. 

Second Pronoun (reads next sentence). Was it 
him? Was it her? 

Billy. Was it he? Was it she ? 

All (applaud). Hurrah for Billy! 

Interjections (shout). 
Aha ! Oho ! 
I told you so ! 
Best I ever saw ! 
Billy's learning grammar, 
Rah, rah, rah ! 

Billy. I'm going to study every night until I know 
grammar from cover to cover. I ain't, I mean I'm not, 
going to grow up in ignorance. I'll not murder the 
King's English any longer. And when I stop to think, 
I'm sure I won't make any mistakes. Even the teacher 
w r on't have nothin' on me. 

Others (throiv up hands in horror). " Won't have 
nothin' on me ! " 

Billy. I mean that even the teacher will be unable 
to surpass the purity of my etymology and syntax. 
(Struts to right and sits proudly.) 

First Noun. Good-bye, Billy, it's almost time for 
you to wake up. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 29 

(The other diameters form a line and march out.) 
Billy (rubbing his eyes). I wonder if it was all a 
dream. Well, (hey taught me a lesson. As long as I 
live I ain't never going to say no bad grammar no 
more. I mean, even the teacher will be unable to sur- 
pass the purity of my etymology and diction. (Goes 
out.) 

CURTAIN 

— W alter Ben Hare 



RAINBOW EXERCISE 

Twelve girls dressed in zvhite, with hair flowing, 
each bearing a scarf of gauze of appropriate color, 
enter, six from left and six from right, one end of the 
scarf floating behind as they trip in. 

Music, a waltz — triple time. 

Girls circle stage, scarfs held high above heads in 
both hands and swaying slightly from side to side. 

Form semicircle at front. Girls catch hold of hands, 
keeping them still raised, and sway scarfs from right 
to left, moving the feet in waltz step to keep time with 
the music. 

Hands dropped at sides, but still hand in hand, 
swaying body. Four measures. 

Five to left swing weight of body on left foot, point 
right toe, raise left arm and lean toward left. Those 
on right lean toward right. Picture. 

Odd girls kneel, scarfs held above heads, sway 
bodies. Their partners circle them, with uplifted 
scarfs. Eight measures. 

All face front, sway scarfs and sing: 



30 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Tune: "Santa Lucia." 

(Found in most School Collections) 

Sun shining in the west, 
Raindrops are falling, 
All colors come to rest, 
Rainbow is calling, 
Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, 
Green and the Violet, too, 
Rainbow is forming, 
Rainbow is forming ! 

Sisters, we're ne'er at rest, 
O'er the sky bringing, 
Coolness to brow and breast, 
Songs of hope singing. 
Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, 
Green and the Violet, too, 
Rainbow is forming, 
Rainbow is forming. 

Two boys enter bearing a large paper rainbow, about 
six feet across, the colors painted on it. The girls give 
ends of scarfs to partners and they move scarfs up and 
do an in front of bow in time to music. 

Five girls go behind the rainbow, their faces and 
arms appearing above it, they hold the ends of the 
scarfs belonging to the 'other five, who kneel in front 
of the bow. Repeat second stanza of song. 

First Boy (recites). The rainbow is an arc of 
prismatic colors. It is formed if the sun is shining 
and, at the same time, it is raining in a direction oppo- 
site to the sun. The sun, the observer's eye, and the 
center of the circle of which the bow is a part are 
always in a straight line. Therefore the nearer the 
sun is to the horizon, the larger the bow. The red 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 31 

color is always on the outside and the violet on the 
inside. 

Second Boy. The radius of the red part is a little 
over 42 degrees, therefore if the sun is more than 42 
degrees above the horizon, no rainbow can be visible. 
Rainbows, therefore, always occur during the early 
morning hours or in the late hours of the afternoon. 
The bow is caused by the refraction and reflection of 
sunlight in the falling drops of water. The purity of 
the colors depends upon the size of the raindrops and 
their uniformity. 

(All repeat first stanza of song and dance off.) 



BOOKS OF THE BIBLE 

The great Jehovah speaks to us 
In Genesis and Exodus ; 
Leviticus and Numbers, see, 
Followed by Deuteronomy. 

Joshua and Judges sway the land, 
Ruth gleans a sheaf with trembling hand. 
Samuel and numerous Kings appear, 
Whose Chronicles we wondering hear. 

Ezra and Nehemiah now, 
Esther the beauteous mourner show ; 
Job speaks in sighs, David in Psalms, 
The Proverbs teach to scatter alms. 

Ecclesiastes then comes on, 

And the sweet Songs of Solomon. 

Isaiah, Jeremiah, then 

With Lamentations takes his pen. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea's lyres, 
Swell Joel, Amos, Obadiah's. 
Next Jonah, Micah, Nahum come, 
And lofty Habakkuk finds room. 

Then Zephaniah, Haggai calls, 
Rapt Zachariah builds his walls — 
And Malachi, with garments rent, 
Concludes the Ancient Testament. 

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, 
The life of our Lord write upon. 
The Acts and Romans written by Paul, 
First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, all ! 

Letters to Churches follow then, 
Ephesians, Phillippians, from inspired pen, 
Next the first-born books of the New Testament, 
Two Thessalonians, of grand intent. 

Two letters to Timothy, then Titus appears, 
Philemon follows, and Hebrews clears 
The mist of old-time dogmas. Paul is done, 
And James comes next with epistle one. 

Two books by Peter, John writes three, 
And Jude's one chapter next we see, 
John's Revelations last appear — 
Glory to God for the Bible dear ! 

— Selected. 



i 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 33 



COMPLETE HALLOWE'EN PROGRAM 

i. The Invitations. About the middle of October let 
the children make a little booklet, with Autumn leaf 
decorations. Inside is written : 

To our Hallowe'en Party, 

We ask you to come, 

'Twill be held at the schoolhouse, 

We'll make things hum. 

The Ghosts and the Witches, 

And Goblins, so gay. 

When the clock strikes three 

Will hold full sway. 

2. Decorations. Good attendance and good recita- 
tions were rewarded by time on Friday afternoon to 
cut black paper cats, bats, owls on new moons, 
witches on brooms, yellow jack-o'-lanterns, white 
ghosts, variegated autumn leaves, large white cats 
with holes for eyes. They were put on blackboards 
and around the room. 

Strips of yellow paper, 4 inches wide, were fes- 
tooned from corners to the center of the ceiling. 

Clothespin witches with brooms appeared on each 
desk. 

Several pumpkin heads with lighted candles. 

Corn stalks in each corner, with kettles hung on 
tripods. 

These kettles cpntained popcorn, apples, ginger 
cookies and water. They were presided over by 
four Witches dressed in dark coverall aprons, pointed 
hats, false noses cut from false faces, jute hair and 
brooms made of twigs bound on a stick. 



34 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

3. Each guest was met by two tall ghosts, dressed in 
white, and had to shake hands with old gloves rilled 
with wet sand. Groans and howls greeted the en- 
trance of the visitors. , 

4. Program. 

1. Suitable song by the school, " Cousin Jede- 
diahf 

2. Recitation, " Seein' Things at Night!' Eugene 
Field. 

3. Looking Backward Dance. 

Four boys and four girls with clothes on " hind- 
side-afore " and masks on the back of their heads, 
sunbonnets and old hats over faces do this dance 
to piano music or to some song sung by school. 

4. Recitation, " Little Orphant Annie." Riley. 

5. Witch Scene from Macbeth. Shakespere. 
Given by three girls, or by three boys dressed 

as witches. This is given from a corner of the 
room, over the cauldron containing popcorn. 

6. Song by the School. 

7. Recitation, " The Raggedy Man." Riley. 



8. 



THE RUBBERNECKS 



Song and drill for 6 boys. Each boy carries 
pole six feet long with a masked head on end of 
pole. Boys and poles draped with sheets. They 
enter from cloak-room and bow the heads to audi- 
ence. Then sing to air " John Brozvn's Body," 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 35 

Here come the goblins so slowly creeping 'round, 
Here come the goblins so slowly creeping 'round, 
Looking here and there, if a naughty child is found, 
They'll eat him in a trice. 
Hunky-dory, we're the goblins, 
Hunky-dory, we're the goblins, 
Hunky-dory, we're the goblins, 
We'll eat him in a trice. 
They sit down and sway heads to left and right 
and all round, repeating chorus. Then all march 
out bowing right and left. 

5. Stunts. 

1. Peanut race for 4 boys. Each blows a peanut 
around the room. 

2. Relay race for 8 girls. Four stand at one end 
of room with knives and cups of beans. Their part- 
ners stand at opposite end with empty cups. The 
four with beans must carry them on knives and fill 
partners' cups. Then partners must carry them back 
again on the knives and fill the original cups. Prizes 
to the pair that have the most beans at the end of the 
race. 

3. Pie-eating contest for eight boys. Boys kneel 
with hands tied behind them and try to eat a half of 
pie. 

4. Blindfolded girls try to blow out lighted candle, 
after being turned around three times. 

5. All try to pin tails on a black cat. The contest- 
ants are blindfolded. 

For prizes for the stunts award large ginger cookies, 
covered with yellow icing with decoration of a face in 
chocolate. 

The festivities may end with a peanut hunt. 



36 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

THE FOUR WINDS 

A Folk Dance of the American Indians. 

Scene: A zvood. If arranged indoors have sev- 
eral trees, mounted like Christmas trees in rear. For 
background cover the wall ivith leafy boughs. Doivn 
left is a wigwam made of four sticks in pyramid form 
and covered with burlap or old sheets with Indian de- 
sign roughly sketched on them. A tripod with kettle 
stands in front of the wigwam. Under the kettle are 
sticks of zvood and pieces of red paper to represent 
fire. A concealed bowl of burning punk or incense 
adds to the effect. A couple of stools covered with 
bark represent logs. 

Music: Three boys seated in front of wigwam beat 
on Indian drums, rythmically. Use toy drums cov- 
ered with cloth painted like bark. The drum-sticks 
should be padded on the ends. Piano or Phonograph 
plays Indian airs behind scenes. 

MUDJEKEEWIS 

Soft Indian music. 

Ten Indian boys enter from left keeping step to the 
music. They circle the stage, bows held aloft on left 
hand, arrows in right hand at side. They form a line 
facing front. 

All raise right hands and salute audience by saying 
in unison " How ! " 

Put arrows in bow. Aim to right. Then to left. 
Then kneel on left knee and aim to front. 

Rise. Put arrows in quiver. Raise bows over 
head, held by both hands. Bend backward. All face 
to right. 

Move around stage in circle. All face front as be- 
fore. 

l > 3» 5» 7 an d 9 kneel on left knee, put arrows in 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 37 

bow and aim. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hold bows over head 
with both hands and dance around kneeling partners. 

All resume former position facing audience. I, 2, 

3, 4 and 5 wheel to right, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 wheel to left. 

Enter Mudjekeewis from right. He stands at center 

rear, with arms folded and head thrown back. He 

comes to front in time to music. Music ends. 

Mudjekeewis {recites): 

From the door-ways of the West-Wind, 
From the portals of the Sunset, 
From the earth's remotest border, 
Where into the empty spaces 
Sinks the sun, as a flamingo 
Drops into her nest at nightfall 
In the melancholy marshes — 
Comes the West-Wind, Mudjekeewis, 
Walking lightly o'er the prairie, 
Whispering to the leaves and blossoms, 
Bending low the flowers and grasses. 

Music again plays. Mudjekeewis, followed by the 
ten boys, circles the stage keeping step to music, and 
then leads the line out at right. 

WABUN 

The music changes to soft, pretty, Indian strains. 
Enter from right, 8 Indian girls dancing in time to the 
music, their blankets on backs, arms at sides. The 
sides of the blankets are attached to wrists. They 
enter in pairs and dance down the center of stage, then 
cast off, two couples going to left, two to right. Come 
down again in fours. 

Cast off at center, then come down again in a straight 
line. When at front they extend arms. Hold picture. 
2, 4, 6 and 8 turn backs to audience. 1 and 2 join 
left hands and revolve, as do the other couples. 

Form circle, all holding hands. Revolve. 

Face outward, circle again revolves. 



38 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Enter Wabun from Left. 

Form angle, i, 2, 3 and 4 at right, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at 
left. Wabun at apex. Hold picture. 

Still holding angle pose, 1, 2, 3 and 4 face to right, 
and 5, 6, 7 and 8 to left. Extend arms. 

Wabun (Advances to Front and Recites). 
Wabun : 

Young and beautiful is Wabun 
She it is who brings the morning, 
She it is whose silver arrows 
Chase the dark o'er hill and valley. 
All the birds sing gayly to her, 
All the wild-flowers of the meadow 
Fill the airs with odors for her, 
Whose sweet voice awakes the village, 
Calls the deer and calls the hunter. 
Wabun, in her robe of crimson, 
Soft and gentle East-Wind, Wabun. 

Music. Wabun dances around stage, followed by 
the 8 maidens dancing in couples. All dance off at 
left. * 

KABIBONOKKA 

The music changes to a loud war-dance, played very 
rapidly. The drum players beat furiously and whistle 
to imitate wind. 8 youths enter from left, dancing 
war dance, raising knees very high. They dance once 
around stage. 

Then each couple takes positions at right and left, 
grabs each other's hands and whirl rapidly around. 
Yells, catcalls and whistles. 

Form string and crack-the-whip. All in time to the 
rapid music. 

All dance war-dance in circle uttering staccato 
whoops, etc. 

Wrestle for eight measures in couples. 

All fall exhausted, 4 to left and 4 to right. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 39 

Kabibonokka rushes in from left. Poses at rear, 
then stalks majestically clown to center with arms 
folded. 
Kabibonokka (recites) : 

See the fierce Kabibonokka ! 

From his home among- the icebergs, 

In the everlasting snowdrifts, 

Comes the howling, whistling North-Wind. 

I am he whose hand in Autumn 

Paints the leaves with red and yellow ; 

I am he who sends the snowflakes, 

Sifting, hissing through the forests, 

Freezes ponds and lakes and rivers, 

Drives the loon and seagulls southward, 

And my hair with snow besprinkled, 

Streams behind me like a river, 

Like a black and wintry river, 

As I howl and hurry southward, 

Over frozen lakes and moorlands. 

Tremble, Pm Kabibonokka ! 

The same music that was first played is again heard. 
One of the boys crawls like a snake to left and peers 
off, the others watching him anxiously. He crawls 
down to Kabibonokka and pantomimes that Mudjekee- 
wis is coming. Kabibonokka folds arms scornfully 
and crosses to right surrounded by his followers. 

Enter from left Mudjekeewis and his ten boys. 

They fight in time to the music. Finally Mudjekee- 
wis is slain by Kabibonokka and his followers flee. 
The music changes to Wabun's air. She enters with 
her maidens, they are captured by Kabibonokka and 
his band and forced out at right. 

Music changes to War-dance and Kabibonokka and 
his men dance a war-dance around the prostrate Mud- 
jekeewis. Then all group at right. 



4 o SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Shawondasee 

Music changes to very soft, pretty air, Grieg's Spring 
Song is recommended. Enter from left twelve maid- 
ens bearing long garlands of greens dotted with roses. 
They dance down in waltz time with garlands held 
overhead. 

Kabibonokka and his men are forced out at right 
by the dancing maidens. No struggle, but the men ap- 
pear dazed and slink off the stage, dragging the body 
of Mudjekeewis with them. The 12 maidens pose, 6 
on either side. Enter Shawondasee from left. She 
dances down center and recites accompanied by soft 
music. 

Shawondasee: 

Shawondasee, I ; the South-Wind, 

From the land of dreamy sunshine. 

In the never-ending Summer. 

I it is who sends the wood-birds, (Maidens pose 

by fours.) 
Send the robin, the Opechee, 
Send the blue-bird, the Owaissa, 
Send the Shawshaw, send the swallow. (Girls 

revolve by fours.) 
Send the wild goose, Wawa, northward, 
Send the melons and tobacco, 
And the grapes in purple clusters. (Odd girls 

kneel on one knee, partners circle them, all 

swaying garlands.) 
From a pipe the smoke ascending 
Fills the sky with haze and vapor, 
Fills the air with dreamy softness, 
Gives a twinkle to the water, 
Touches rugged hills with smoothness, ( Pose by 

threes, forming triangle with garlands.) 
To the melancholy north-land, 
In the dreary moon and Snow-shoes. 

Listless, careless Shawondasee. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 



4i 



Shawondasee moves to center and maidens toss one 
end of garlands to her, retaining other end. They re- 
volve like the spokes of a wheel. 

All move around stage dancing in time to the music. 
They circle once and are followed by Mudjekeewis 
and his Bow-and-arrow Boys, Wabun and her Blanket 
Girls, Kabibonokka and his Whistling Crew. All pose 
with Shawondasee in center, or all dance off stage. 

End 

Note : The blankets used by Wabun's Maids should 
be gaudy and all the same size. The garlands used 
should be rope about 2 l / 2 feet long twined with leafy 
vines and paper roses. 

Suitable music for this folk-dance may be found in 
" Indian Days," sold by the publishers of this book, 
price 50 cts. 



GRANDMOTHER'S METHODS or HOW TO 
STUDY 



DIALOGUE 

Characters: 
Grandmother, an old woman in white cap and apron. 

Long dark dress. Spectacles. She is knitting a 

half -finished stocking. 
Tom, 
Will, 
Richard, 
Harry, 
James, 
Mary, 
Edna, 
Kate, 
Li la, 
Ruth, 



Boys and girls in ordinary costumes. 



42 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Scene: A room. Grandmother sits in easy chair 

knitting a stocking. Tom, Mary and Edna are 

seated around a table studying. 

Tom. The more I study the less I learn. The 
words are awful hard. 

Mary. I know it. I've been studying one word 
for half an hour and I can't spell it yet. 

Edna. So have I. Exercise. (Spells.) Exer- 
cise. E-x-e-r-c-i-s-e. (Shuts eyes.) E-x-e-r-c-i-s-e. 
E-x-e-r-c-i-z-e. 

Tom. Nothing like it, it's e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e. 

Enter Will, Richard, Harry and James. 

Will. Hello, Tom. We came over to study spell- 
ing. 

Richard. It's an awful hard lesson. 

Harry. Yes, spelling is about the hardest thing we 
have. 

James. And the teacher expects us to spend all our 
time at night learning all these words that we'll never 
use. (All sit down and study.) 

Will. Here's a hard one. Umbrella. 

Tom. Oh, anybody can spell umbrella. U-m- 
b-r-e-1-l-a. 

Harry. No, that isn't right. U-m-b-r-e-1-a. 

Edna. You left out one of the Is. 

Enter Kate, Lila and Ruth. 

Kate. We came over to study spelling. 

Lila. My, what a crowd ! Is the whole school 
here? 

Edna. Sit down. We'll learn the lesson together 
and then we can play some games. 

Ruth. I think twenty-five words are too many for 
one lesson. 

Tom. And such awful hard words, too. (All 
study.) 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 43 

Edna. I've spent ten minutes trying to learn one 
word, exercise. I've got it now, E-x-c-e-r-c-i-s-e. 

All. You put in too many cs. 

Grandmother. Are you children studying? 

Edna. No. we're spelling. 

Grandmother. How much time do you put in on 
your lesson ? 

Harry. Oh, it'll take us all night. 

Grandmother (astonished). All night? My, my, 
what's the world coming to? When I was a gal we 
never used to study our spelling at all. We just looked 
it over once or twice, and we were, the best spellers in 
the country. Maybe you haven't learned how to study 
yet. 

Edna. I guess we have, we're in the seventh grader 

Grandmother. Let me see your list of words. 
(Looks at it through glasses.) Humph ! These words 
aren't hard, you only think they are. 

Ruth. I think they're the hardest words in the 
English language. 

Grandmother. Suppose you had to spell without 
any preparation at all. 

All. What! Without any studying at all? 

Richard. That would just suit me. 

Grandmother. How many of you can spell go, at, 
stand, cent, lion, on, and do' 

Kate. Why. we can spell all of them. 

Mary. They're first grade words, grandmother. 
I guess we can spell any one syllable word that was 
ever written. 

Grandmother. How would you like to prepare a 
lesson in these words. 

All. That would be easy. 

Grandmother. Mary, pronounce the first word in 
your lesson. 

Mary (indistinctly). Center. 

Grandmother. Who can repeat the last syllable of 
that word? 



44 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Will. Ar. (Grandmother writes " ar " on 
board.) 

Ruth. Er. (Grandmother writes this on board. ) 

Lila. Ir. (Grandmother writes this on board. |) 

Tom. Or. (Also this.) 

Richard. Ur. (Also this.) 

Grandmother. Ar, er, ir, or, ur. See the differ- 
ence in pronunciation. My lands ! If you children 
knew how to pronounce words distinctly it wouldn't 
be half as hard. Some words are made up entirely 
of syllables, but most words are made up of smaller 
words and syllables. Now, who can tell me what com- 
poses the word center. 

Harry. The word " cent " and the syllable " er." 
Grandmother. That's right. Just the little word 
cent and the syllable " er." Who can spell cent? 
(All hands up.) And who can spell " er "? (Hands 
wave.) I guess you can all spell center. Who needs 
an hour to prepare such easy words ? What's the next 
word ? 

Will. Exercise. 

Grandmother. That is made up of three syllables. 
The first is " ex." 

All. E-x, ex. 

Grandmother. Correct. The next is " er '' again, 
the same as in center. 

All. E-r, er. 

Grandmother. That's right, E-x, ex, e-r, er, exer, 
now spell the last syllable. 

All. Cise. C-i-s-e. 

Grandmother. See how easy it is. Now, Mary, 
you'll never forget that word again. Spell exercise. 

Mary. E-x, ex, e-r, er, exer, c-i-s-e, cise, exercise. 

Edna. Why, it's just as easy as it can be. Just 
divide the word into smaller words and syllables and 
it's perfectly easy. U-m, urn, b-r-e double 1, brell, a, 
u-m-b-r-e-1-l-a. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 45 

Tom. I always spell that u-m-b-e-r-e-1-l-a. 

Grandmother. That's because you do not pro- 
nounce it correctly. You say um-ber-ella, instead of 
um-brell-a. Remember there are only three syllables 
in umbrella. Not four. Kate, pronounce the next 
word. 

Kate. Mag — magner — er — I can't. It's a long, 
hard word. 

Grandmother. What is the word about, Kate? 
Maybe we won't need it at all. 

Kate. I don't know what it's about. It's a long, 
hard word. 

James. It's an important word. My father often 
uses it. 

Grandmother. Well, then, it must mean some- 
thing. So I suppose we had better learn what it is. 
Call the first syllable, Kate. 

Kate. Mag. 

Grandmother. Now the next. 

Kate. Nif. 

James. And the next is " i." Just plain " i." 

Grandmother. Mag-nif-i — what's the last? 

Kate. C-e-n-t, cent. Mag-nif-i-cent. That's easy. 
Magnificent. Mag is spelled m-a-g. And n-i-f spells 
nif, then there's a plain " i '' and a c-e-n-t, cent. 
M-a-g-n-i-f-i-c-e-n-t. 

Grandmother. Magnificent. You spelled it cor- 
rectly. It's magnificent. 

Li la. Grandmother, I think your way of spelling 
is magnificent. 

Grandmother. What's the next word, Richard? 

Richard. Separate. That's an awful hard word. 
My mother says she always has to look it up in the 
dictionary. 

Grandmother. It is one of the most commonly 
misspelled words in the English language, and all be- 
cause most people say seperate, instead of separate. 



4 6 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

The correct pronunciation is separate. Sep-a-rate. 
Now, spell it. Sep ! 

Richard. Sep — s-e-p, sep, " a," r-a-t-e, rate. 
Separate. 

All. S-e-p, sep, a, a, sepa, r-a-t-e, rate. Separate. 

Grandmother. What are the other words? 

Edna. Chimney. (They practise this word and 
learn it.) 

Tom. Regretted. (Also this.) 

Will. Disappear. (All learn this.) 

Richard. Mischief. (And this.) 

Harry. Noticeable. N-o-t-i-c-e spells notice, and 
a-b-l-e, able. 

James. Develop. 

Mary. Potatoes. (Also learn the singular.) 

Edna. Ceiling. (Also learn sealing, and the differ- 
ence between them.) 

Kate. Committee. 

Lila. Governor. (Also government.) 

Ruth. Vertical. 

Grandmother. If you learn to pronounce each 
word distinctly, and learn the diacritical marks and 
sounds, yon will find that learning a spelling lesson is 
one of the easiest things in the world. 

Tom. I'll bet we'll all make a hundred in spelling 
tomorrow. 

Mary. And we owe it all to grandmother, because 
she has taught us the correct way to learn a lesson. 

Grandmother. It's just the same in other things, 
in geography and history and grammar. Pick the 
thing apart, dissect it, then pick out the most important 
part and learn that. Once you have that in your mind 
it is easy to see the connection between the most im- 
portant part and all the other parts of the lesson. 
Don't sit and look at a page and try to learn every 
word, but pick out the most important facts, get them 
in your mind, and don't let them go. That's the way 
to studv. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 47 

Tom. Your way is the best. 

Kate. Yes, it is perfectly m-a-g, mag, n-i-f, nif, 
i, c-e-n-t, cent. Magnificent ! (All laugh and go out.) 

CURTAIN. 



WASHINGTON 

Let each pupil hold a card with date in view during 
his recitation. 

1732. In seventeen hundred and thirty-two 
George Washington was born ; 
Truth, goodness, skill and glory high 
His whole life did adorn. 

1775. In seventeen hundred and seventy-five 
The chief command he took 
Of all the army of the State, 
And ne'er his flag forsook. 

1783. In seventeen hundred eighty-three, 
Retired to private life, 
He saw his much-loved country free 
From battle and from strife. 

1789. In seventeen hundred eighty-nine 
The country with one voice, 
Proclaimed him President to shine, 
Blessed by the people's choice. 

1799. In seventeen hundred ninety-nine 
The Nation's tears were shed, 
To see the Patriot life resign, 
And sleep among the dead. 



48 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

All. As first in war and first in peace, 
As patriot, father, friend, 
We will be blessed till time shall cease, 
And earthly life shall end. 



REVOLUTIONARY DAYS 
Entertainment for School. 

Part of the programme consists of shadowgraph 
movies, acted behind a sheet upon which the shadows 
of the actors are thrown. Stitch two or three sheets 
together and stretch the curtain thus made across one 
end of the room. 

At each end of the screen, dark, heavy curtains must 
be hung, forming dark rooms zi'here the actors can 
stand. Passage at rear is necessary, so actors may 
cross without getting between the light and the screen. 
The screen should be dampened and firmly attached at 
top and bottom, allowing no wrinkles. 

Use as powerful a light as possible, an auto light 
with a reflector is good. Have a small screen (in 
three folds) to put in front of the light at the end of 
each scene. 

The players should keep their profiles toivard the 
screen as much as possible, also standing close to the 
screen, but be careful not to touch it. They should 
stand almost in a line, equidistant from the screen, so 
the shadows will be same density and height. 

The action should be spirited throughout, as that is 
what counts. 

Costumes may be simulated from paper in most 
cases, as they are shown only in outline. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 49 

THE STORY OF THE CHERRY TREE 

Characters: 

Little George Washington. 
His Father. 
His Mother. 
The Gardener. 

When the screen is removed from the light, the out- 
lines of the cherry tree are seen at right, with two 
bunches of cherries, one low down, and the other high 
up. 

Bright Music. 

Enter Mrs. Washington, hoop-skirts, hair dressed 
high ; she carries the hatchet. Show audience hatchet. 
Look off left. Clap hands three times. Enter Little 
George. 

They converse in pantomime. She presents him 
with hatchet. He is delighted and capers around 
stage. She goes out at left. George does a war- 
dance, waving hatchet. He sees the cherries. Drops 
hatchet, goes to cherry tree. Picks lower bunch. 
Eats with much gusto. 

Tries to pick higher bunch, but cannot reach them. 
Jumps, but cannot reach them. Rubs stomach signi- 
fying that he is still hungry. Sticks out tongue at 
cherries. Sees hatchet. Nods. He will cut down 
the tree. Hacks at roots. Wipes brow. Almost 
gives up. Looks at cherries. Hacks again. Then 
tries to reach cherries. Hacks away for dear life. 
Tree falls. He picks cherries and exits. 

After short pause enter Mr. Washington, knee 
breeches, three-cornered hat, overcoat and cane. Sees 
tree and is very angry. Claps hands. Enter gardener. 
Gardener looks at tree, scratches head, shakes head say- 
ing in pantomime that he is not guilty. Mr. Wash- 
ington waves him off. Claps hands again. Enter 



s 



50 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Mrs. Washington. They converse in pantomime. 
She also denies the deed and exits. Enter George. 
Father talks to him angrily. He confesses and shows 
hatchet. Father draws him to his knee and talks to 
him in pantomime. They go out at left. 

WHAT CAUSED THE WAR OF 1 776 

Dialogue in Front of the Curtain. 
Characters: 

George III, King of England. Stout boy, knee 
breeches, white stockings, fancy vest and sateen 
coat. Sword. Large star on breast. 

His Ministers. Similar costumes, without star. 

Enter George III. He sits at right. His Three 
Ministers sit at left. 

George. I have been thinking about the great debt 
England has on her shoulders. Why is this? Why 
are we burdened with this debt? 

First Minister. It was caused by the French and 
Indian war in the colonies. 

George. We must pay it. 

All Others. Yes, we must pay it. 

George. Is there any money in our treasury? 

Second Minister. Not enough by any means, your 
Majesty. 

George. Then we must increase the taxes. In 
some way — in any way — the money must be raised. 

Third Minister. You speak wisely, sire. 

George. But the American colonies must help. 
The French and Indian war was to protect them. See 
how rich they are growing. Indeed, they are quite 
able to help. 

First Minister. That is very true, your Majesty. 

George. Isn't there an old Navigation Act that says 
the colonies must trade with no country but England? 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 51 

First Minister. I think I have heard of such an 
Act, sire, but it has never been carried out. 

George (testily). Why not? I say, why not? 

Second Minister. Because it was unwise and un- 
fair. 

George. But would it bring money to England, if 
we should carry it out? 

Third Minister. Undoubtedly, your Majesty. 

George. Look in the books. See if you can find 
such a law. 

First Minister (searches in large book). I have 
it here, Sire. 

George. Read it to me. Maybe this will solve our 
problem for us. 

First Minister (reads). " Only English ships 
shall carry goods to the American colonies. The col- 
onies shall send goods only to England." 

George (delighted). Good, good! That's just 
what we need. I'll enforce that law to the letter. 

First Minister. But, your Majesty — 

George. Well, sir, what? But what? 

First Minister. To ruin America's trade is not 
an honest way to bring money into England. 

George. Highty-tighty ! Are you the King or am 
I? 

First Minister. Oh, your Majesty! I think I 
see a way to raise money from the colonies — a way 
which will succeed and will not make the colonies 
angry. 

George. Let me hear it, Grenville. 

First Minister. We shall stamp paper and send 
it to the American colonies. They'll have to buy it, 
for it will be necessary to use it for all business. 

George. I don't understand. 

First Minister. If one man sells a piece of land 
to another, the deed must be written on our stamped 
paper. Otherwise, it isn't legal. The money thus 
paid by the colonists for this stamped paper shall be 



52 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

the Colonial Tax, and we'll use all the money to pay off 
our debts. 

George. Good. You've hit on a good idea. Come 
with me. I'll have some of that stamped paper pre- 
pared as soon as possible. (Starts out.) That's a 
great idea, Grenville, a great idea. (They all go out 
at left.) 

HOW THE COLONIES RECEIVED THE NEWS 

Dialogue, Shadow Play 

Several Statesmen seated. 

First Statesman. I say it is an outrage, this tax, 
this stamp act of King George. We'll not submit. 

Second Statesman. Why should we be taxed at 
all? What right has England to tax us? 

Third Statesman. Because she is paying for our 
French and Indian wars, We ought to be willing to 
pay our part of the tax, if she is fair to us. 

First Statesman. But she isn't fair to us. She's 
unjust and King George is a tyrant. 

Third Statesman. Treason! treason! 

First Statesman (hotly). Ay, sir, treason, if you 
will. It is against the very laws of England herself 
to lay a tax on us. 

Third Statesman. Why is it against the laws of 
England ? 

First Statesman. There is a law in England that 
says that no English people shall be taxed unless they 
have representatives in Parliament. 

Fourth Statesman. You are right. Away back 
in the days of King John — did not the people rise up 
against taxation without representation? It's tyranny. 

All. Taxation without representation is tyranny. 

First Statesman. Liberty is dead ! Liberty is 
dead! 

Fourth Statesman. Liberty is not dead! Lib- 
erty lives ! Liberty lives ! 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 53 

All. Hurrah, Liberty lives ! 

First Statesman. We'll go to these agents of the 
Stamp Act. We'll give them twenty-four hours to re- 
sign. 

All. And if they don't we'll burn the roofs over 
their heads. Liberty forever! (They go out.) 



THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY 

A Recitation. 

England had put a tax upon nearly everything, but 
the angry Colonists rebelled, so the tax was removed 
from everything except tea. But the Colonists said, 
" We will not pay one cent when the mother country 
treats us like slaves ! " On December 16, 1773, a great 
vessel appeared in Boston harbor loaded with tea. The 
Patriots held a lively meeting in the Old South Church 
and decided that it was time to show England that the 
American Colonists were sons, but not slaves. 

The vessel slowly neared the wharf. With a heavy 
splash and a boom she touches ; out jump the sailors 
to fasten the rope. But hark! what noise is that? It 
is the Indian war-whoop, and down rush a wonderful 
crowd of Indians, yelling and waving their tomahawks. 
In an instant they board the vessel. The terrified sail- 
ors stand aghast, as the Indians rush down in the hold 
and lug out the heavy chests of tea. 

They yell and whoop, and over go the chests into 
the dark water below. Suddenly the Indians grow very 
quiet: they leave the ship and stand upon the wharf 
mocking the sailors. And they were not Indians at 
all, but the brave Boston boys disguised in feathers 
and war-paint. 

Three hundred and forty-two chests of tea were 
destroyed, and to this day we can almost hear the 
splash of the greatest tea-party the world has ever 
known. 



54 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Hurrah for the Boston Patriots, 
Hurrah for the Boston Tea ! 
It had to be steeped in the water, 
E'er America could be free. 

THE BRAVERY OF PEGGY STEWART 

Dialogue in Front of Curtain. 

Characters: 

Anthony Stewart, a Maryland ship-owner. 
Peggy Stewart, his zvife. 
Several Patriots. 

Enter Stewart, followed by the Patriots. 

Stewart. I am ready to fight and die for liberty 
and my country, but no one has a right to tell me what 
I shall do, and what I shall not do. 

First Patriot. One of your ships came into the 
Maryland harbor today loaded with tea from England. 

Stewart. What of it? 

First Patriot. You must not sell that tea. You 
must not pay our money to the English crown. 

Stewart. No one has a right to tell me what I 
must do with my own tea. 

Second Patriot. You must throw the tea over- 
board, or we'll do it for you. 

Stewart. I will not. I'll appeal to the Governor. 

First Patriot. We must all stand together. 
United we stand, divided we fall. 

Stewart. Fall then. I'll have nothing more to 
say to you. 

Second Patriot. Is that your final answer. 

Stewart. It is. 

First Patriot. Then we must rouse the Sons of 
Liberty. Our duty lies before us. Come, boys! 
(Patriots go out.) 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 55 

Stewart. I'll do as I please. I'm not a Tory ; I'm 
a patriot, but I'll not throw my tea overboard and ruin 
myself. I have my wife to support, and my family to 
think of. 

Enter Peggy. 

Peggy. I hear the ship is in. 
. Stewart. It is, and it has brought you the finest 
silk gown in all the colony. 

Peggy. What about the tea, Anthony? You will 
not allow it to be landed, will you? 

Stewart. And why not, pray? 

Peggy. There will be the tax to pay on it. 

Stewart. I intend to pay the tax on it. 

Voices Outside. Down with the Tories! Down 
with Anthony Stewart! (The noise is low rumbles at 
first, then louder.) Down with the Tories. Burn his 
ships. 

Peggy. What is that noise? 

Stew'art. It's those crazy Sons of Liberty. Do 
they think they are going to force me to obey them ? 

Noises (louder). Down with the Tories! Down 
with Stewart. 

Peggy. But we are not Tories. Why do they 
shout like that at our gateway? 

Voices. Anthony Stewart! Anthony Stewart! 
Come to the door! Come to the door! (Loud knock- 
ing.) 

Stewart (angrily). Ay, that I will. Anthony 
Stewart is no coward! (Opens the door, shozving a 
crozvd of angry Patriots.) How dare you come to my 
home like this? H.ow dare you? Do you think you 
can frighten me? 

Mathias Hammond. Here, Stewart, read this pe- 
tition. 

Stewart. I will not. I know what the paper is. 
(Takes it and tears it in pieces.) Do you want my 



56 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

answer? (Tears it.) This, then, is my answer. 
(Throws it in his face.) 

All Yell. Down with him ! The Tory ! Tar and 
feathers ! The whipping post ! ( They start toward 
him.) 

Peggy (rashes between). Sons of Liberty, listen 
to me! The ship there in the harbor is named for me, 
the Peggy Stewart. It is my wish that no ship bear- 
ing my name shall bring tea into our harbors. We are 
patriots, and we love our country. I would lay down 
my life for my country. My husband will not be 
threatened. (She goes to him and takes his arm.) 
You cannot force him to destroy the tea, but for my 
sake, he will destroy his vessel. For my sake, and 
for the sake of American liberty ! 

All. Hurrah for Peggy Stewart ! Hurrah for 
Peggy Stewart ! (shouted the Sons of Liberty as they 
crozvded around her). 

Stewart. It shall be as my wife says. Come, in 
the name of liberty, I will burn my boat and all my 
cargo. In the name of Peggy Stewart and in the 
name of Liberty ! 

All. Hurrah! (Men all go out at left.) 

Peggy (looking out). They are firing the ship. 
(Pause.) Black smoke is pouring from the hold. 
See, the flames ! They leap higher and higher ! 
Hark! They are cheering. (Distant cheers.) In 
the name of Peggy Stewart and in the name of Lib- 
erty. (Exits.) 

PAUL revere 
A Recitation. ■ 

Listen, children, and I'll tell you of a time long, long 

ago, 
When George the Third of England was this country's 

bitter foe. 






SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 57 

He had sent his red coat soldiers to oppress the people 

here, 
And deprive them of the freedom that to them was 

held most dear. 

Then the patriots met together, and they made a solemn 

vow 
To defend their rights" like freemen, and ne'er to the 

tyrant bow. 
Of both guns and ammunition they had gathered quite 

a score, 
Which they hid away at Concord with the hope of 

getting more. 

Though they moved with greatest caution to avoid all 

prying eyes, 
Their secret was discovered by the watchful Tory 

spies. 
They to General Gage right quickly did the welcome 

tidings bring, 
Thinking thus to gain the favor of that minion of the 

king. 

On the night of April eighteenth, Gage sent part of his 

command 
Stealthily across the river on the other shore to land, 
Then to quickly march to Concord and destroy the 

rebel's store. 
Feeling sure were that accomplished they would trouble 

him no more. 

But the patriots, too, had watchers, sharp of eye and 

keen of ear, 
And they quickly gave the signal to the waiting Paul 

Revere. 
Then his gallant horse he mounted — not a moment 

did he stay — 



58 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Through the darkness galloped onward, rousing all 
along the way. 

With the shout " Up, up, the British ! " till the echoes 

rang again, 
While from every scattered farm-house rushed the 

eager Minute Men. 
Twasa strange unequal battle that was fought that 

April morn, 
But amidst its blood and carnage, our United States 

was born. 

That was long ago, my children, but when April comes 

each year, 
W T e, with grateful hearts remember, that wild ride of 

Paul Revere. 

— Normal Instructor. 



HOWE IN PHILADELPHIA 

Dialogue. 

Characters: 

General Howe, white trousers, leggins, red coat, 

sword. 
Three British Officers (costumed similarly). 
Lydia Darrah, a Quakeress. 

Scene: A room. Enter Lydia. 

Lydia. Alas ! Sad times are come upon us. 
Washington with all his strategy has not been able to 
keep General Howe out of Philadelphia. Defeated at 
the Battle of Brandy wine, the outlook doth indeed seem 
dark' for the cause of liberty. (Knock at door.) 

General Howe (entering with three other BritisJi 
Officers). Good evening, Mistress Darrah! 

Lydia. Good evening, friend. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 59 

General Howe. Can we have quarters in your 
house for the night ? 

Lydia. Thee can. 

General Howe. 'Tis well. Before we retire we 
would have a short council together. 

Lydia. This room is at your disposal. Thee are 
welcome. 

General Howe. See to it, madam, that not one of 
your household knows of this meeting. 

Lydia. Yes, sir. 

General Howe. See that they are all abed and 
asleep before we hold our counsel. 

Lydia. Yes, sir. (Takes lighted candle and goes 
out.) 

General Howe. Come, boys, gather around the 
table, for I have something of importance to tell you. 
(Men gather around table. Lydia peers in.) Wash- 
ington is camped close by our own camp at German- 
town. (Lydia enters and listens .unobserved.) 

First Officer (showing paper). See here is a 
map, General. Our men are here (points). And 
Washington is here. (Points). 

General Howe. Tomorrow night when it is dark 
we will move from here to here. (Traces route on 
map.) 

Second Officer. Good. We will completely sur- 
round him. 

First Officer. And take him by surprise. 

General How t e. Tomorrow night. (Exit Lydia 
unobserved.) 

First Officer. We'd better turn in. 

General Howe. I must get back to the camp at 
once. You understand your orders? 

Second Officer. Perfectly, General. 

General Howe. I ought to speak to Mistress Dar- 
rah before we go. (Goes to her door and raps. Xo 
answer.) 



60 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

First Officer. The Quaker lady is fast asleep. 
The house is as quiet as the grave. 

General Howe. I must awaken her. (Raps 
louder.) 

Lydia (inside, speaks sleepily). What's wanted? 

General Howe. We are ready to go now. Will 
you come and open the door for us? 

Enter Lydia, yawning. 

Lydia. Ay, sir, that I will. Tomorrow, General, 
I must go to the old mill for flour. Will thee give me 
a pass ? 

General Howe (writes pass and hands it to her). 
Surely, Mistress Darrah. 

Lydia. I thank thee, sir. 

General Howe. Good night. (Goes out with 
men. ) 

Lydia. With this pass I shall get through the lines, 
and then to warn Washington. This very night I'll 
save the patriot army. (Peers out.) The British 
officers have gone. In half an hour they'll be sound 
asleep, but in an hour George Washington will be out 
of danger! (Exits hurriedly.) 

sergeant molly pitcher 
Costume Recitation. 

Enter Molly Pitcher, poorly dressed in woolen 
petticoat, dark calico tuck-up and soldier's cap. 

It was at the battle of Monmouth in 1777. At one 
of the guns in the midst of the fiercest fighting was a 
brave young Irishman, me husband. All day long in 
the fearful heat I stood by his side as he fired the big 
gun. Now and agin I'd bring him a bucket of water 
from a brook right in the very face of the Redcoats. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 61 

(S)iaps her fingers.) That for the Redcoats, say I. 
I had just come up to me man with a fresh bucket of 
water, when a ball came whizzing over me head, and 
down at me feet fell me brave lad, niver to rise again, 
dead beside his gun. 

" Roll the gun back ! " they shouted. 

" You'll do nothing of the kind," says I. " I'll work 
the gun myself." 

So I I6aded her, shut me eyes and fired. 

" Give me the gun," said a soldier near me. 

" Xever, while there's life left in me body," says I. 

And all the rest of the day I stood at the gun, firing 
faster and faster. 

Sure the heart had gone out of me body entirely, 
and I lived only to take another shot at the men who 
had killed me own Irish boy. At last it was all over. 
The men crowded 'round me, but away to me tent I 
crept to mourn for the lad I'd see no more. 

The nixt day Gineral Washington himself came to 
see me. " You made a brave stand at the gun, Molly 
Pitcher," says he, 4< and you're a sergeant from this 
day forth, with a sergeant's pension as long as you 
live. And the name of Sergeant Molly Pitcher will 
go sounding on forever ! " 

THE SURRENDER OF CORNWALLIS 

Shadozi.' Picture. 
Music: Funeral march, with drums. 

Enter Washington and his Men. TJiex stand at 
left. 

Enter Cornwallis and his Men. They stand at 
right. 

Music: "America." 

Hats are lifted. 



62 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Cornwallis gives his sword to one of his men, who 
slowly advances and gives it to one of Washington's 
men. 

British lay down their arms. All sing "America." 

END. 



Xote to Teacher: If it is desired to lengthen this 
programme, patriotic songs may be introduced, original 
essays,- recitations, and the follozcing shadow pictures, 
with original dialogue, or with a description of the 
scene read by one of the pupils. 

1. The Capture of Nathan Hale. 

2. The Ringing of the Liberty Bell. 

3. Washington Crossing the Delaware. 

4. Washington at Valley Forge. 

5. Martha Washington's Minuet. 

(Songs from the "Golden Book of Favorite Songs/' 
Suitable for this Exercise) 

1. " Motion Song, Our Flag." 

2. " Yankee Doodle.'' 

3. " Revolutionary Tea." 

4. " The Sword of Bunker Hill." 

5. " Years of Peace." 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 63 

THE FRIENDLY TREES 

A Nature-Study Dialogue. 

Characters: 
Boys. 

Picnickers: Ellis, Fred, Harry, Clarence, Rus- 
sell, Walter. 

Trees : Oak, Walnut, Hickory, Ash, Elm, Cat- 
alpa, Sycamore, Buckeye. 

Girls. 

Picnickers: Beatrice, Fay, Ida, Blanche, Mabel, 
Carrie. 

Trees: Willow, Maple, Apple, Magnolia, Pine, 
Beech, Fir, Tulip, Birch, Rubber, Locust, Dog- 
wood. 

Decoration : Growing plants and vases of wild 
flowers. Cover one large blackboard with white paper 
and arrange the motto in leaves " The groves were 
God's first temples." 

Branches of trees, with green leaves, in the four 
corners of the room. Bright colored autumn leaves 
cut from paper may be gummed on wall. The* plat- 
form represents a grove. Tack leafy branches on wall 
at rear of platform and at sides. Arrange potted 
plants (pots concealed by grass or green paper) at in- 
tervals. Each child has a branch of green leaves on 
desk. Bluebirds and Redbirds made of paper may be 
suspended from ceiling by black thread. Two small 
kegs on' platform covered with brozvn paper painted to 
represent tree trunks. 



64 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Music: Songs by the school may be introduced be- 
fore and during the dialogue. Select songs suitable for 
the occasion. 

Costumes: The Picnickers wear school clothes 
with hats, caps and dinner baskets. The Trees zvcar 
old clothes covered with leafy boughs. If the leaves 
are not easily found, they may be readily made from 
paper. The flowering trees wear crowns of their 
flowers. Birch is dressed in white. Others carry 
cones, berries, etc., of their particular tree. 

While the school sings some pretty nature song, the 
Trees march on the platform and take their places in 
two lines facing front. The first line, made up of the 
shorter children, is about half way between front and 
rear of platform, the second line a little behind them. 
The lines should form in such a way that each tree 
may be seen from the audience. 

The Trees (in unison) : 

" What does he plant who plants a tree? 
He plants the friend of sun and sky, 
He plants the flag of breezes free, 
The shaft of beauty towering high ; 
He plants a home to heaven anigh ; 
For song and mother croon of bird, 
In hushed ancL happy twilight heard, 
The treble of heaven's harmony, 
These things he plants who plants a tree." 

The Picnickers are heard singing outside, (cloak- 
room) and finally they enter and wander among the 
trees. 

PICNIC SONG 

Tune: Comin' Thro' the Rye. 
In the spring and in the summer, 
Picnickers so gay, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 65 

In the woodland romp and frolic, 

While the hours away, 
Come my merry lads and lassies, 

Dancing in the breeze, 
Let us sit and study nature 

Here beneath the trees. 

Roys (sing) : 

We would rather have a ball game, 

Out there in the sun, 
Sitting down beneath the trees 
Isn't any fun. 

Girls (sing) : 

We've been playing all the morning, 

Let us rest a while, 
And the trees are glad to have us 
See them nod and smile ! 

(Picnickers sit down.) 

Ellis (looking around). My, what a lot of trees! 
I don't think I ever saw so many different kinds all to- 
gether in one place. 

Beatrice. How many kinds are there? 

Ellis. Oh, ever so many. (Points to Oak.) 
This is a Locust. 

Oak. A locust. Indeed, I am not. I'm an oak. 

Picnickers. Oh, listen, the tree is talking. 

Oak. Of course, I am talking. Isn't it enough to 
make any tree talk when a boy as big as that one 
doesn't know the difference between an oak and a lo- 
cust ? 

Fred. Well, what is the difference, Mr. Oak Tree? 

Oak (extending hand with acorn in it). Do you 
see that ? 

Fred, (takes acorn). Yes, it's an acorn. 

Oak. Trees that bear acorns are all oaks. 

Carrie. An acorn is a nut, isn't it? 



66 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Other Picnickers (laugh). A nut, ha, ha, ha! 
She thinks an acorn is a nut ! 

Carrie. Well, it looks like a nut. 

Oak. Let them laugh, little one. An acorn is a 
kind of a nut, but an acorn always sits in a little cup, 
like that! (Shows one.) No other nut grows in a 
cup. 

Locust. You thought he was a locust, didn't you? 
The very idea ! I'm the locust. If, instead of acorns, 
pods hang on the twigs, the tree belongs to the locust 
family, related to your garden peas and beans. 

Fay (sitting by the Birch Tree). What a pretty 
tree this is. I wonder what her name is! 

Birch. I am the Birch Tree. The bark of the 
birch tree is so silky white, that I thought everybody 
knew my name. 

Sycamore. I am the Sycamore, but most boys and 
girls call me the Buttonwood, because of my seeds 
which hang like little balls on slender stems and swing 
in the winter wind. (Shows one.) These are the 
seed balls of the Sycamore Tree. 

Russel. Here's a nut tree. I know this tree. It's 
a shagbark hickory. 

Hickory. You're right, and the Shagbark Hickory 
is the best hickory-nut tree that grows. 

Russel. Yes, and the hardest to climb. You shed 
your bark in long narrow strips that curl away from 
the place where they're attached to the tree, and al- 
ways cut and tear my overalls whenever I try to climb. 
But I don't care, the hickory nut's the finest nut that 
grows. 

Walter. How about the walnut, Russell? 

Walnut. You're right there, son. I am the Wal- 
nut Tree. Here is one of my twigs. (Gives it to 
Walter.) Split it and you'll see the pith is not solid, 
but is in thin plates, separated by air spaces. That's 
the way you can always tell a walnut tree. 

Ida. I can always tell a walnut tree bv its smell, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 67 

and then the awful brown stain on our fingers. It 
always stays until it wears off. 

Fay. Oh, girls, see this pretty tree. (Points to 
Rubber Tree.) I never saw anything like it before. 

Rubber. No, because I am the Rubber Tree, and 
only grow in tropical countries. 

Beech. I am the Beech Tree. My trunk is gray 
and in the autumn my leaves are a pale yellow. The 
beech tree has small, brown spiny husks on the ends 
of the side twigs ; these husks open and two small trian- 
gular brown nuts drop down. 

Clarence. I like the oak tree best of all. It's so 
big! 

Blanche. I know a little poem about the oak tree. 

" A song to the oak, to the brave old oak, 
Who hath ruled in the greenwood long; 
Here's health and renown to thy broad green crown, 
And thy fifty arms, so strong. 
There's fear in thy frown, when the sun goes down, 
And the fire in the west fades out, 
And you show your might on a wild midnight, 
When the storm through your branches shout." 

Oak (much pleased). That's very nice, but I can't 
get over the idea that that boy didn't know an oak tree 
when he saw one. Look at my leaves. They are all 
simple and their outline is oval. The borders are cut 
by deep or shallow bays and they are somewhat leathery 
in texture, while the veins in the center of the leaf are 
tough and fibrous. In spring the flowers of the oak 
come out with the leaves. A fringe of catkins at the 
base of the new shoot is composed of pollen-bearing 
flowers. In the angles of the new leaves farther up the 
stem we find the little acorn flowers, usually in twos. 
The fringe of catkins falls as soon as the pollen is 
shed. Little red forked tongues are thrust out by the 
flowers to catch the golden dust when it is flying 



68 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

through the air, and thus to set seed. The acorns of 
the white oak are eaten by the Indians, after they have 
been boiled. 

Ellis. Who, the Indians? 

Oak. No, the acorns, of course. 

Mabel {near the Maple Tree). Oh, see the little 
one-sided wings on this tree. 

Maple. Those are the seeds of the Maple Tree. 
The showers of May shake off the little wings, and 
away they whirl, the heavy seed-end always pointing 
downward. Before the summer is over, a crop of 
little maple trees spring up from these little one-sided 
wings. 

Ash. All summer long little pale green darts hang 
among the leaves of the Ash Tree. Each one is a 
pointed seed-case, and out behind it extends the thin, 
light, two-edged wing. There is no one-sidedness to 
this blade, like the maple seed, but it is balanced like 
a dart. The little feathered arrow may be long or 
short, depending upon whether it belongs to the red 
ash, the white ash, or the black. 

Fir. Under each scale of a fir-cone may be found 
two seeds, each with a thin, one-sided wing. The hard 
cones serve as a protection to the dainty seeds. Firs 
always hold their cones erect, their scales fall, and 
when they loosen, the seeds are free. 

Catalpa. I am the Catalpa Tree. Long green pods 
hang all summer on the tops of the catalpas. Each 
one is longer than the newest lead pencil, and show no 
sign of splitting until the autumn. Then the pod 
spreads apart, and gradually the thin seeds shake out. 
Each one is in the center of a thin wing, and looks as 
if made of tissue paper. The wind carries these little 
seeds for miles.' 

Elm. The elm tree, too, has seeds with papery 
rims, like little discs, and the wind often scatters them 
far from the tree where they were born. The elm is 
always a graceful tree with many spreading branches. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 69 

Harry, I like the trees best in autumn when they 
are full of red and yellow and green leaves. 

Ida. The maple trees are the prettiest then, We 
girls know a song about the brilliant maple leaves. 

Beatrice. Fay, Ida, Blanche, Mabel and Carrie 

come to the front of the platform, join hands and form 
semicircle and sing 

MAPLE LEAVES 

Tune: Santa Lucia. Found in most School Collec- 
tions. 

When Autumn's breezes blow, 

Gay leaves are falling, 
Softly they dance along, 

To children calling, 
" Come, join our frolic free, 
Come, sing and dance with me ! " 

Dancing and twirling, 

Prancing and whirling. 

On the line " Come join our frolic free,'' Fay, Ida, 
Blanche and Mabel form an X at center and revolve 
as they sing the remaining lines of the stanza. Bea- 
trice and Carrie dance from front to rear, forward 
and back. 

All resume former positions. Trees and Boys join 
in singing second stanza. 

Breezes hum merrily, 

Tossing us lightly, 
Then to the waiting earth, 

To flutter brightly. 
Dance o'er the wood and hill, 
Faster and faster still, 

Leaping and swaying, 

Leaf games a-playing. 



;o SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

On the line "Dance o'er the wood and hill" Bea- 
trice, Fay and Ida join hands at left and dance in cir- 
cle, the others do same at right. All resume positions. 

Fay (near the Maple Tree). Miss Maple Tree, 
why do you change your colors in the fall of the 
year ? 

Maple. When the leaves give up their sap in the 
autumn, a yellow liquid fills the cells where the green 
pulp used to be. Chemical changes in the mineral 
substances deposited in the leaf cells produce wonder- 
ful shades of red and yellow. Iron is one of the min- 
erals brought up in the soil water, left in the leaf, and 
changed to produce the bright red when the leaf mask 
of green is taken away. 

Carrie (near the Dogwood Tree). See this tree! 
It's the prettiest of all. 

Dogwood. I am the Dogwood Tree. 

Ellis. I know why you are called the Dogwood 
Tree. Because of your bark. 

Harry. She's called a Dogwood Tree because she's 
full of bow-wows. 

Dogwood. The Dogwood Tree is never very large 
and she generally snuggles up against the trunk of 
some larger tree. The dogwood covers its bare 
branches with blossoms in May. In the fall it looks 
like a scarlet flame, holding straight out its branches 
of red leaves, tipped with berries, like rubies, set on 
the upturned twigs. 

Ash. The Ash Tree turns to purple in the fall of 
the year. 

Oak. Many oaks turn from green to brown, with- 
out showing any red or yellow. 

Tulip. The Tulip Tree turns yellow in the fall. 

Hickory. And so do the poplars, hickories, wil- 
low and walnuts. 

Oak. The deepest red is on the Black and Red 
Oaks ; the brightest red is on the Scarlet Oak. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 71 

Carrie. But why do the leaves have to fall off just 
when they are the prettiest? 

Buckeye. Every leaf is a nurse to a bud that is 
growing between its base and the twig. The tree takes 
all the green pulp from the leaves before it lets them 
fall. A store of starch is put away in the twig, close 
to each bud. This is the food that enables the bud 
to open in the spring. 

Sycamore. The trees know that when the cold 
weather comes, growth must stop, so they save all the 
good green leaf pulp for food for the little buds. 

Fir. An easy way to distinguish some trees is by 
their shape. The Lombardy poplar is shaped like a 
capital I, or like a church spire. The evergreen trees 
are generally shaped like a pyramid. 

Magnolia. The evergreen magnolia tree of the 
south has a dome like an old-fashioned bee-hive. 

Birch. Weeping birches and willows have such 
light foliage, and such fine flexible twigs, that they 
look like fountains of light green as they stand among 
the other trees. 

Walter. Some trees are green all the year round. 

Pine. The evergreens with needle-like leaves and 
cones, belong to four familiar, Pine, Spruce, Fir and 
Hemlock, and they are planted everywhere. 

Walter. How is it possible to tell these different 
trees apart? 

Pine. All the trees with more than one leaf in a 
bundle are pines. 

Fir. Spruces, firs and hemlocks have a single leaf 
at a place upon the twig. Spruces have brackets on 
the twigs, thick, sharp, three- or four-angled leaves, 
and stout twigs to match the stout leaves. The cones 
hang down upon the branches of a spruce tree. Hem- 
locks have little leaf stems that set them apart from 
all the other evergreens. I am the Fir, the Christmas 
Tree. The cones of the pines, spruces and hemlocks 
hang down, the cones of the fir are held erect on the 



72 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

twigs. Fir leaves seem to be fastened right into the 
twig itself, and do not readily fall. 

Pine. $5,000 worth of lumber can be cut from one 
sugar pine tree. 

Ida. Why do you call them sugar pine trees ? 

Pine. Because the sap is sweet like maple syrup. 

Fred. The flagpole at our school was made from 
a tall, straight pine. 

Magnolia. Anywhere from Xorth Carolina to 
Florida, and west to Arkansas, the Magnolia Tree 
grows. The leaves, even of the young trees, often 
measure more than a foot in length, and have their long 
green blades lined w r ith white. The flowers open in 
June — great cream-colored bowls, made of waxen 
petals, in a double row, the inner ones painted purple 
at their bases, giving the flower a purple center. In 
winter the leaves are still green, but somewhat grimy. 
In the fall the ends on the twigs support green cones, 
and later a scarlet seed, like a berry, hangs out on a 
thread. These seeds are sown in winter. 

Tulip. The Tulip Tree is a close relative of the 
Magnolia, but grows in the north. . The flowers do not 
make much show because they are very much the 
same in color as the yellowish-green new leaves that 
surround them. The leaf of the tulip tree has a pecul- 
iar form. It is broad like a maple leaf at the base, 
but at the tip it is cut off square as if with a pair of 
shears, forming a right-angle with its straight sides. 
Sometimes a Y-shaped piece appears to have been cut 
from the square tip of the leaf. 

Dogwood. In the spring the dogwood branches are 
covered with big, white blossoms, each like a four- 
pointed star, with a cluster of small white buds in the 
center. 

Apple Tree. I am the Apple Tree. In early May 
my buds open by millions and my new leaves begin to 
unfold. The leaves - are pale green and coated with 
white hairs, so that a silvery cloud rests on the tree. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 73 

In a few days the apple tree is covered with sweet 
white blossoms, tinged with pink. 

Clarence. The apple tree is the best tree of all. 

Mabel. And the prettiest. 

Blanche. 

" What see we in an apple tree? 
Sweets for a hundred flowering- springs 
To load the May wind's restless wings, 
When from the orchard row it pours 
Its fragrance through the open doors ; 
A world of blossoms for the bee, 
Flowers for the sick girl's room, 
For the glad infant sprigs of bloom, 
Are all in the apple tree." 

Ellis. And don't forget the good, old apple pies. 
The apple tree is one of the best friends a man has. 

Maple. During the summer sugar is stored in the 
wood cells of the Maple Tree. In early spring the 
sap mounts and dissolves this sugar. Holes are bored 
in the trunk — 

Fred. And out comes maple syrup. Hurrah for 
the Maple Tree ! 

Pine. The sap of the Pine Tree is called resin or 
pitch. The American Pine supplies turpentine, tar 
and resin to the world. 

Rubber. Rubber is simply the hardened sap of the 
Rubber Tree. 

Blanche. It's getting late. We must be going home. 

Clarence. I'll never forget the afternoon we spent 
with the trees. 

Picnickers (rise and go out slowly singing). 

FAREWELL SONG 

Tune : Chorus of " Soldier's Farewell." 
Farewell, farewell, dear forest trees, 
Farewell, farewell, dear forest trees. 

Curtain 



74 SCHOOLROOM EXTERTAINMENTS 

Note to Teachers: A curtain is not necessary for 
tJiis dialogue. If none is used the characters march 
on and off the stage, singing some appropriate song. 

Any of the Tree Characters may be omitted at the 
discretion of the teacher. The Picnickers should be 
good singers. Carrie should be the smallest girl ob- 
tainable. Blanche and Oak should be good dcclaimcrs. 
If it is desired to lengthen this dialogue, nature songs 
and recitations are easily obtained in Teachers' Maga- 
zines; a simple folk-dance might be given — /'/ there 
is room on the platform; original essays might be in- 
troduced. 

The costumes of the trees may be as simple as de- 
sired, ordinary dark clothes with a few leaves, cones, 
etc., will serve the purpose. 

Songs from the " Golden Book of Favorite Songs " 
suitable for this exercise. 

i. "Come With Thy Lute!' 

2. " Woodman, Spare That Tree!' 



TEN COMMANDMENTS IN VERSE 

I Thou shalt have no gods but me, 

II Before no idol bend thy knee. 

III Take not the name of God in vain, 

IV Nor dare the Sabbath day profane. 

A' Give thy parents honor due, 

AT And see that thou no murder do. 

VII Avoid thoughts and acts unclean, 

VIII Steal not, though thou be poor and mean. 

IX Tell not a wilful lie, nor love it, 

X What is thy neighbor's, do not covet. 

— Selected. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 75 

THE ALL-UNITED STATES 
-i Geographical and Historical Exercise for a School. 

1. Scholars rise at their seats and sing the first 
stanza and chorus of " Columbia, the Gem of the 
Ocean." While they are singing the last two lines of 
the chorus, Columbia enters from cloak room. She 
wears a sheet draped in Greek fashion, with hair flow- 
ing and arms bare. She carries an American flag and 
may wear a red liberty cap on her head. See arrange- 
ment on an American dollar. Columbia advances 
slowly and takes place on platform. 

2. All scholars give the Flag Salute. 

3. Columbia (recites) : 

This is the American flag ! He must be cold, indeed, 
who can look upon its folds rippling in the breeze with- 
out pride of country. It is a piece of bunting lifted 
in the air ; but it speaks sublimely and every part has a 
voice. Its thirteen stripes proclaim the original union 
of Thirteen States to maintain the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence. Its stars, white on a field of blue, proclaim 
that union of States constituting our national constella- 
tion which has received a new star with every incom- 
ing State. The two together signify union, past and 
present. The very colors have a language which was 
recognized by our fathers. • White is for purity; red 
for valor; blue for justice; and all together, bunting, 
stripes, stars and colors, make the flag of our country, 
to be cherished by all our hearts, to be upheld by all 
our hands. — Charles Sumner. 

On June 7th, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, 
offered a resolution, in the Congress of the Thirteen 
Colonies, declaring that they *■ are, and ought to be, 



76 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

free and independent States ; that they are absolved 
from all allegiance to the British crown ; and that all 
political connection between them and the State of 
Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." 
This brought about the celebrated Declaration of Inde- 
pendence which, on July 4th, 1776, received the ratifi- 
cation of the delegates of the thirteen colonies. Thus 
was I born with thirteen States. 

4. School sings " Yankee Doodle " as the Thirteen 
Original States march once around the room and then 
to the platform, standing in a row back of Columbia. 
These States are represented by thirteen girls in white 
and red dresses, each bearing a shield containing the 
name of her State. 

5. Colloquy of the Thirteen Original States : 

Massachusetts (steps forward and addresses school). 
I am Massachusetts, the cradle of liberty. My his- 
tory begins with the landing of the Pilgrims at Ply- 
mouth in 1620. The Boston Massacre in 1770 was 
followed by the destruction of English tea in 1773. 
The Revolutionary War began at Lexington and Con- 
cord. I rank first in the production of granite and 
am preeminently a manufacturing state. In education 
I lead the world. My seats of learning include Har- 
vard, Amherst, Boston, Williams, Holy Cross, Rad- 
cliffe, Mount Holyoke, Smith and Wellesley Colleges. 

New Hampshire (steps forward as Massachusetts 
retires). 
New Hampshire has been called the Switzerland of 
America, because of her magnificent scenery, mountain 
peaks and river valleys. I rank first in the production 
of mica, but my industrial industries are devoted to 
manufacturing. I was settled in 1629 by an English 
colonist named Mason, under a grant made in 1623. 



SCHOOLROOM LXTLiKT. UXMIiX'J S 77 

I am called the Granite State, which typifies the 
.strength and hardiness of my people. 

Connecticut (steps forward as New Hampshire re- 
tires). 
I am Connecticut, the Nutmeg State. My people 
are noted for their thrift and industry. My first set- 
tlement was made in Hartford in 1633 by the Dutch. 
I made my own charter in 1662, and concealed it in 
the hollow of an oak tree in 1686, when the royal gov- 
ernor Andros attempted to obtain it. 

Rhode Island (the smallest girl in the class, steps for- 
ward). 

u I'm a very little State, yet I feel myself as great 

as any in the land. 
It is not in one's size that one's importance lies, 

I'd have you understand. 
And if I choose to wait, and come in rather late 

To join the federal band, 
It's because a little State must needs deliberate 

Before she gives her hand." 

— Mrs. L. A. Bradbury. 

The first English settlement in Rhode Island was 
made at Providence in 1636 by Roger Williams, whose 
religious views caused him to be expelled from Massa- 
chusetts. I was the last State to ratify the Constitu- 
tion in 1790 and until a very recent period foreign- 
born citizens could not vote unless they owned real 
estate. 

New York (steps foncard and recites). 

I am Xew York, the wealthiest State in the Union 
and my sons and daughters far outnumber all of my 
sister States. My rugged mountains on the east and 
my rolling terraces on the west form backgrounds for 



78 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

my beautiful Hudson River and my wonderful lakes. 
I am also the most important commercial State in the 
Union, the greater part of the European commerce 
being carried on through the port of New York City. 
My school system is comprehensive and vast, including 
a complete system of adult education. The first explo- 
rations of New York were made by Champlain and 
Henry Hudson in 1609. The region surrounding the 
Hudson was later claimed by the Dutch, who called 
the place New Netherlands. The national government 
was first located in New York City ; steamboat navi- 
gation was begun on the Hudson in 1807, and in 1825 
the Erie Canal was completed from the Lakes to the 
Hudson River. 

Pennsylvania (steps forward). 

I am Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, for in the 
arch of the thirteen original States, I was the keystone. 
I rank first in the amount and value of my commercial 
mineral products, first in the production of coal coke, 
nafural gas, building stones, flint, feldspar, mineral 
paints, portland cement and iron and steel products ; 
second in petroleum and clay products, and fifth in 
iron ores. Pittsburgh is the center of the iron indus- 
try of the world. I also rank first in the production 
of rye, and have a large crop of other cereals. The 
country above Delaware Bay was first settled by the 
Swedes, and then passed first under Dutch, and then 
under English, jurisdiction. In my City of Brotherly 
Love the Declaration of Independence was adopted on 
July 4th, 1776, when the old Liberty Bell pealed out 
freedom unto all the world. 

The Thirteen States (recite in union). 
" That old J)ell now is silent, 
Husheci is its iron tongue ; 
But the spirit it awaked 
Still lives, forever young. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 79 

And when we greet the sunlight, 

On the Fourth of each July, 
We'll ne'er forget the bellman 

Who twixt the earth and sky, 
Rang out our Independence 

Which, please God, will never die." 

New Jersey (steps forward and recites). 

Xew Jersey was settled by the Dutch about 161 5. 
I took a very active part in the War of the Revolution 
and on my soil was fought the battles of Trenton, 
Princeton, Red Bank and Monmouth. Newark, Xew 
Jersey, produces more jewelry, leather and hats than 
any other city in the Union. 

Delaware (steps forzeard and recites). 

Delaware lies on a level plain and very nearly all of 
its area is under cultivation. Peaches, apples, pears 
and quinces are extensively raised. During the Revo- 
lution one of my brigades was under the command of 
a brave old man who lived to fight roosters and who 
always put his money on the " old blue hen's chickens." 
Finally his brigade became known by this nickname 
and today the sons of Delaware are known as the blue 
hen's chickens. 

Virginia {steps forward and recites a short original 
speech of about i/j words on " Virginia, the 
Mother of Great Men"). 

Maryland steps forzvard. 

All ( includi)ig the entire school) sing: 

MARYLAND, MY MARYLAND 

Thou wilt not cower in the dust, 

Maryland ! my Maryland ! 
Thy gleaming sword shall never rust, 

Maryland ! my Maryland ! 



So SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Remember Carroll's sacred trust, 
Remember Howard's war-like thrust, 
And all thy slumb'rers with the just, 
Maryland ! my Maryland ! 

I see no blush upon thy cheek, 

Maryland! my Maryland! 
Though thou wast ever bravely meek, 

Maryland ! my Maryland ! 
For life and death, for woe and weal. 
Thy peerless chivalry reveal, 
And gird thyself with beauteous steel. 

Maryland ! my Maryland ! 

Maryland {sings solo) : 

I will not yield the vandal toll, 
All. Maryland! my Maryland! 

M. I will not crook to his control. 
All. Maryland! my Maryland! 

M. Better the fire upon me roll, 

Better the shot, the blade, the bow ' 

Than crucifixion of the soul, 
All. Maryland ! my Maryland ! 

M. I'll join the brave heroic throng, 

All. Maryland ! my Maryland ! 

M. That stalks with Liberty along, 

All. Maryland ! my Maryland! 

M. I hear the distant thunder hum, 

The Old Line bugle, fife and drum, 
I pause no more, I come, I come ! 

All. Maryland ! my Maryland ! 

Maryland (recites). 

The main colonization of Maryland was made in 
1634 by a bo^v of English Roman Catholic cavaliers 
under a charter granted to the second Lord Baltimore 
by Charles I. Marylanders took part in nearly every 



SC HOOLROOM ENTIIRTAIMMBNTS 81 

l);ittle of the Revolutionary War, and in 1812 the State 
suffered severely from the naval operations of the 
British: In 1861 my people were divided in sentiment, 
many being in sympathy with the South, although the 
State remained loyal to the National cause. 

South Carolina (comes forward and recites). 

I am South Carolina. The soil of the State is either 
loam or clay, rich in phosphate, lime and potash. Cot- 
ton, maize, wheat, rice and sweet potatoes are the chief 
staples. The magnolia and the palmetto grow along 
the coast, pine and cypress in the low country and hard- 
wood in the highlands. I was the first State to secede 
from the Union, on December 20th, i860, but in 1869 
I was readmitted into the sisterhood of States. 

North Carolina (comes forward and recites). 

North Carolina was permanently settled in 1663, 
when Charles II made a grant of the territory to eight 
English gentlemen. The State joined the Southern 
Confederacy May 20, i86t, and furnished some of the 
best troops in the Confederate Army, having 125,000 
in service. The present constitution was amended 
January 1, 1908, so that no one who is unable to read 
and write can vote. 

Georgia (comes forzvard and recites). 

Georgia was settled by a colony of 120 persons in 
T 733> under a patent granted to Oglethorpe, Whitefield 
and the Wesleys. It was established as a barrier be- 
tween the Spanish and Indians on the south, and the 
Carolinas on the north, and to provide a refuge for 
debtors, orphans, and other needy and destitute per- 
sons. On January 21, 1861, an ordinance of secession 
was unanimously passed. From the Battle of Chica- 
mauga in 1863 to the winter of 1864-65 the State was 
constantly the scene of conflict. The State was re- 
stored to the Union in 1869. 



82 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

The Thirteen States (join hands, Columbia in 
center). 

The Pilgrim Fathers suffered, 

The Patriots nobly fought — 
But from their strife and suffering 

Our noble land was wrought. 
Our sons were bold, triumphant, 

Refused to bow the knee 
To English king or English power 

Or English tyranny, 
But fought like men and heroes 

To make this land their own, 
Where Liberty and Freedom 

Uphold Columbia's throne. 

6. Song (by the entire school). Tune, "Amer- 
ica:' 

America, to thee 

We pledge our loyalty, 

For evermore. 

When foreign foes assail, 

Your sons will never quail, 

Your children never fail 

From shore to shore. 

(Virginia, North Carolina, 
Georgia and South Caro- 
lina retire.) 
Our father's God, to Thee, 
Author of liberty, 
To Thee we sing. 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light. 
Protect us by thy might, 
Great God, our King! 

7. Com and Wheat States. 

Columbia ( recites ) . 

After the original Thirteen States had won the great 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 83 

War of the Revolution, two of my favorite sons appear 
on the scene. Behold them, Vermont and Maine. 

Enter Vermont and Maine, tivo boys dressed in 
overalls, bandanas and tattered strazv hats. 

Vermont {recites). 

I was the first State to enter the Union after the 
original thirteen. I came in on March 4, 1791. Ver- 
mont is a farming state, but is famous throughout the 
world for its marble and maple sugar. My famous 
Green Mountain Boys were in some of the hardest 
fought battles of the Revolution. In the War of 1812 
my sons added fresh laurels to their military record 
and during the Civil War I sent more than one-tenth of 
my entire population into action. Long live Vermont 
and the Green Mountain Boys ! 

Maine (recites). • 

Maine was admitted to the Union on March 15, 
r820. I am known as the Temperance State, as I was 
the first State to prohibit the making and selling of in- 
toxicating liquors within my boundaries. I have been 
a Dry State for over a quarter of a century. 

Columbia (comes to center and recites). 

From the wheatlands, from the valleys, 
Where the mighty rivers flow, 
Comes a throng of lads and lassies, 
Singing as they onward go. 



?4 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 



THE MARCH OF CORN AND WHEAT 
STATES 

The characters all retire. 

A march is played on the piano or grapho phone. If 
no instrument is available, let the children sing some 
song in strict march time, singing first verse and chorus, 
then whistle a verse and chorus, then second verse and 
chorus, etc. "Marching Through Georgia'' is recom- 
mended. 

Enter Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, 
Kansas and Michigan, girls dressed in gingham all- 
over aprons, white 'kerchiefs at neck, white sunbonnets 
and each carrying a rake. 

Then enter from left in single file, rakes held at 
shoulder arms. March across rear, down right to 
front, from right front obliquely up to rear left, 'across 
rear to center, dozen center in a straight line. Turn 
corners squarely. When the seven are in a straight line 
down the center, they all turn to right, march to right 
of stage, turn and face to left. That leaves the line 
down the right side of the stage from front to rear, 
but all facing left. They start to rake floor in time to 
music. 

Enter Arkansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, West 
Virginia, North Dakota, Nebraska and South 
Dakota, boys dressed in dark waists, red ties, bib over- 
alls, large straw hats and each carries a hoe. 

They enter from left in single file, hoes held at 
shoulder arms. March across rear, dozen right to 
front (paying no attention to the girls, ziho are raking 
at extreme right), across front to left, up left to rear, 
then all face girls and begin to hoc in time to the music. 

Boys hoe four measures. South Dakota discovers 
girls. Points to them. Boys advance two steps and 
try to attract attention of girls, zcho still rake without 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 85 

seeming to notice them. On last note of chorus, boys 
bang hoes dozvn on tloor. Girls scream, si art back and 
look at boys. Boys remove hats anil make low bow. 
Girls curtsey. Each line advances to center. All 
face front. Ohio and South Dakota march to left, 
Indiana and Nebraska to right. Illinois and North 
Dakota to left, Missouri and West Virginia to 
right, Iowa and Minnesota to left, Kansas and Wis- 
consin to right, Michigan and Arkansas mark time 
in front at center. Then line up to form this tableau: 

Right "Neb., Ind. S. Dak., Ohio Left 

W. Va., Mo. X. Dak., III. 

Wis., Kan. Mich., Ark. Iowa, Minn. 

All (sing). - • 

Tune : " Marching Through Georgia.'' 
Sound the good old bugle boys, in praise of corn and 

wheat, 
Sound it for prosperity, and then the sound repeat, 
We grow enough to feed the world, we never meet 
defeat, 
Peace and Prosperity, our motto. 

Hurrah, hurrah, the Middle States are we, 
Hurrah, hurrah, no life is half so free, 
Sowing, reaping, every day to feed the world, you see, 
Peace and Prosperity, our motto. 

All hold same positions. 

Wisconsin (recites). 

Wisconsin, the Badger State, entered the Union May 
29, 1848. In 1827 lead was discovered in large quan- 
tities at Potosi and Mineral Point and there was a great 
rush of immigrants to that section. The Black Hawk 
War with the Indians occurred in 1832. 



86 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Kansas (recites). 

The excellent soil of Kansas makes it one of the 
foremost agricultural States. Before the Civil War 
many bitter struggles occurred in Kansas between the 
slaveholders and the abolitionists, but the party oppos- 
ing slavery triumphed and Kansas was admitted as a 
State January 29, 1861. 

Michigan (recites). 

Michigan has a great mineral wealth and ranks first 
of all the States in its iron production and second in 
copper. Grapes, cranberries, cherries, strawberries, 
apples, pears and peaches are raised to a large extent. 
Lumber is the principal article of manufacture. The 
capital was removed from Detroit to Lansing in 1838. 

Arkansas ( recites) . 

Arkansas contains coal, iron, zinc, marble, copper 
and salt. Its most valuable production is cotton. Ad- 
mitted to the Union in 1836, Arkansas seceded March 
4, i§6i, and was re-admitted in 1868. 

Iowa (recites). 

Iowa became the property of the Linked States by 
the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and was admitted to 
the Union in 1846. An Indian raid, known as the 
Spirit Lake Massacre, occurred in 1857, in which about 
40 settlers were killed and their homes destroyed. 
Iowa is the banner State for corn. 

Minnesota (recites). 

The soil of Minnesota is especially adapted to wheat- 
growing ; the extent of the country and the abundance 
of water has made this State an ideal one from the 
point of Agriculture. In 1783 the Northwest Terri- 
tory, including Minnesota, was ceded to the United 
States. In 1862 the Indians attacked the frontier set- 
tlements, and in a few days killed about 800 settlers. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 87 

In consequence the Sioux and Winnebagoes were re- 
moved from the State, and their lands opened for set- 
tlement. 

The seven couples march around the stage in a large 
circle sinning to tune of "Marching Through Geor- 
gia." 

Once again your voices raise, ye Central Valley States, 
Sing of honest labor and the victory that awaits 
Ours the hands that reap and sow, the country's wealth 
creates, 
Peace and Prosperity our motto. 

Hurrah, hurrah, the Middle States are we, 
Hurrah, hurrah, no life is half so free. 
Sowing, reaping, every day, to feed the world, you see, 
Peace and Prosperity our motto. 

Form tableau. 

Wis., Kan., Mich., Ark., Iowa, Minn. 

W. Va., Mo., Neb., Ind., N. Dak., III., S. Dak., Ohio. 

West Virginia (recites). 

West Virginia was that part of Virginia that seceded 
from the Mother State in 1863 and remained true to 
the Union. Every known variety of coal is mined in 
my State. 

Missouri (recites), 

Missouri was admitted to the Union in 182 1 and 
ranks third among the States in her agricultural wealth. 
In the early part of the eighteenth century a brisk trade 
in furs between the French and the Indians led to the 
founding of the city of St. Louis. The South wished 
to make Missouri a slave state and the North resisted. 



88 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

A compromise was made to the effect that slavery 
should be permitted in Missouri, but excluded from all 
other parts of the Louisiana Purchase north of latitude 
$6° 30'. The activity of the Union Pany saved the 
State from secession. 

Nebraska ( recites). 

Nebraska is a very important agricultural state and 
was a part of the Louisiana Purchase. The emigra- 
tion to California in 1849 brought about a general set- 
tlement in this region. In 1867 the Union Pacific 
Railway was completed across Nebraska, the territory 
was admitted as a State., and the capital removed from 
Omaha to Lincoln. 

Indiana ( recites). 

Indiana is the Hoosier State, and the home of James 
Whitcomb Riley, Booth Tarkington and many other 
famous later-day writers. 

North Dakota (recites). 

The surface of North Dakota is undulating prairie, 
with occasional hills. The soil is exceedingly fertile 
and free from stones. 

South Dakota (recites). 

In 1861 the territory of Dakota was organized with 
Yankton as capital, but it was divided into North and 
South Dakota, and these admitted to the Union as 
States in 1889. 

Illinois (recites). 

Illinois, the pride of the Middle West, is known as 
the Prairie State. Its river system is the most expen- 
sive in the Union, and it ranks as second state in the 
production of coal. The fertility of its soil makes it 
rank as one of the foremost states in agriculture. 
Other notable industries are slaughtering, meat pack- 
ing, and the manufacture of iron and steel. The first 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMEN1 S 89 

white settlement was a Jesuit mission founded by 
Marquette in 1673. {All sing " Illinois.") 

Ohio (recites). 

Ohio is the Buckeye State and ranks first in the pro- 
duction of petroleum, and clay products; third in coal 
and natural gas and fourth in salt. Stock raising and 
dairy farming are leading industries and the old Buck- 
eye State ranks first in her number of sheep, and value 
of her wool production. Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Har- 
rison, McKinley and Taft were born in Ohio. 

The seven couples again marcJi around the stage in a 
large circle, singing the chorus " Hurrah, Hurrah, the 
Middle States are We!" Then line up in two lines 
facing front, the boys behind the girls. Continue sing- 
ing. Girls turn backs to audience, face boys, two feet 
away. 

All hold hoes and rakes on high and form an arch. 

8. The Southern States are heard singing 
" Dixie " off the stage. They sing first verse and 
chorus before they enter. Then enter Virginia, 
North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Ken- 
tucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ala- 
bama, Florida and Texas, girls dressed in white and 
red, wearing large hats trimmed in flowers and carry- 
ing baskets of leaves and flowers. 

DIXIE 

Way down south in the land of cotton, 

Orange groves and sandy bottom, 

Look away, look away, look away, Dixie land! 

Southern flowers in valleys springing, 

Southern birds in meadows singing. 

Look away, look away, look away, Dixie land ! 

Then we'll give three cheers for Dixie, 
Hurrah, hunah. 



90 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

In Dixie land I'll take my stand 
To live and die in Dixie. 

Away, away. 
Away down south in Dixie. 

Away, away. 
Away down south in Dixie. 

Southern States march in coming under the arch, 
and line up in front. 

Southern winds are softly blowing, 

Field on field of cotton growing, 

Look away, look away, look away, Dixie land ! 

Come down South, 'we'd like to meet you, 

Hospitality shall greet you, 

Look away, look away, look away, Dixie land ! 

Then we'll give three cheers for Dixie, etc. 

Florida (steps forzvard and sings. All others group 
in rear). 
Way down upon the Suwanee River, 

Far, far, away — 
There's where my thoughts are turning ever, 
There's where the old folks stay. 

All (sing). 

All the world am sad and dreary, 

Everywhere I roam, 
Oh, darkies, how my heart grows weary, 

Far from the old folks at home. 

Kentucky (steps forzcard and sings). 
Weep no more, my lady. 
Oh, weep no more today. 
For we'll sing one song for our old Kentucky 

home, 
For our old Kentucky home so far away. 
{Repeated by All. ) 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 91 

9. Cowboys heard whooping behind scenes. All 
on stage bend over and listen with hands behind cars. 
Western States sing: 

THE CAMPBELLS ARE COM INC, 

(Found in most School Collections.) 

The Cowboys are coming, O ho, O ho, 

The Cowboys are coming, O ho, O ho, 

The Cowboys are coming, with clamor and clatter, 

The Cowboys are coming, O ho, O ho ! 

Enter from left, California, Nevada, Oregon, 
Colorado, Washington, Montana, W'yoming, 
Idaho, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Okla- 
homa, boys dressed in cowboy or Indian play suits. 
They skip in, keeping time to their singing, and line up 
in front. 

From the hills and the prairies we come, we come, 
From the hills and the prairies we come, we come, 
From rugged mountains and golden valleys, 
With noise and clatter, we come, we come ! 

(They join hands and dance round in a circle, sing- 
ing): 

The Cowboys are here, O ho, O ho, 
The Cowboys are here, O ho, O ho, 
From hill and prairie and mountain and valley, 
With noise and clatter we come, we come! Hurray! 

(Yell.) 

10. Enter Columbia, bearing flag, followed by all 
other States, as all sing second stanza of " Columbia, 
the Gem of the Ocean." Enter Alaska, a boy in furs ; 
Guam, a dark-haired girl in red and yellow, with black 
lace mantilla, high comb and red rose over car: 



gi SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Hawaii, a girl with flowing black hair, yellow dress, 
wreath of red roses on head and garland around neck; 
Panama, a boy in khaki uniform; Philippines, a boy 
in uniform; Tutuila, a girl in green trimmed with 
white roses. 

Alaska (recites). 

I am Alaska, purchased from Russia in 1867, for 
$7,200,000. I bring my mines of gold, copper, coal 
and iron and my fish-laden streams to enrich the United 
States. My yield of valuable minerals amounts to 
$20,000,000 every year. 

Guam [recites). 

I am Guam, an island in the Pacific Ocean, the larg- 
est of the Marianne or Ladrone group. I formerly 
belonged to Spain, but was captured on June 20th, 
1898, by the United States cruiser Charleston, on its 
way to Manila. 

Hawaii (recites). 

I represent a group of islands in the middle of the 
Atlantic Ocean, 2,000 miles from San Francisco. My 
climate is wonderfully mild, being tempered by the 
Northeast Trade Winds that blow nine months of the 
year. My principal crops are sugar and rice, tropical 
and sub-tropical fruits, cocoanuts and pineapples. I 
was annexed to the United States on July 7, 1898. 

Panama Canal Strip (recites). 

I am the Panama Canal Strip purchased from Pan- 
ama in 1904 for the purpose of digging and maintain- 
ing the Panama Canal, a body of water separating 
North and South America and joining the Atlantic 
and Pacific Oceans. 

Philippine Islands (recites), 

I represent the Philippine Islands, an archipelago in 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 93 

the Pacific Ocean, comprising more than 1,700 islands. 
The two largest are Luzon and Mindanao. Rice, corn, 
coffee and cotton are produced. I was ceded by Spain 
to the United States as a result of the War of 1898. 

Tutuila Group (recites). 

I am an island of the Samoan Group and belong to 
the United States under the treaty of December 2, 
1899. between the United States, Great Britain and 
Germany. 

All sing as they march around stage and finally off at 
left. 

Tune, " Yankee Doodle:' 

A century of peace has dawned, the North and South 

are plighted, 
And all their lover's quarrels have been forever righted, 
There is no North, there is no South, no Johnny Reb 

to bandy, 
No feud, no scores to settle up, no Yankee Doodle 

Dandy. 

Yankee Doodle, nevermore, 
Yankee Doodle dandy, 
Dixie Doodle's come to town, 
And no more words to bandy. 

What have we then in this great land above its bonded 
boodle, 

With northern pluck and southern nerve, our cheers 
for Dixie Doodle. 

Then hip, hurrah, for this brave youth, unbought of 
bond or boodle, 

We'll give three cheers and one cheer more, for grow- 
ing Dixie Doodle. 



END 



94 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Other suitable songs from " The Golden Book of 

Favorite Songs" 
i. "Illinois." 

2. " The Farmer." 

3. " Flag of the Free." 

4. " Oh, Broad Land." 

5. " Michigan, My Michigan." 



ABE 

( Written by an unknown prisoner at Charlestown 
Mass. ) 

Who was the lad, just reached his teens, 
Barefooted, clad in home spun jeans: 
That sought no favors, asked no odds 
Of high-bred youngsters, men or gods? 
That fetched the cattle, milked the cows ; 
Pitched down the hay from off the mows ; 
Lugged in the wbod and swept the floors, 
Beside a lot of other chores? 
Who was this lad, lean, lank and strong, 
That hailed the day's work with a song, 
And when the day's last job was done, 
Hailed with a song the setting sun ? 
Young Abe. 

Who was the lad, awkward and plain, 
With simple mind, untutored brain, 
That dreamed the dreams of souls whose flight 
Gain glorious Manhood's loftiest height? 
That with a zeal which naught could tire, 
His only light, the pine-knot fire. 
With pen and pencil, book and slate, 
Reached for the goal sought by the great ? 
Who was this lad of lowly birth 
That sat there by the humble hearth, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 95 

And gathered wisdom late at night, 
In the dusky glow of the firelight? 
Young Abe. 

Who was the man behind the plow, 
With tangled hair and sweating brow, 
Whose grimy hands held spade and hoe, 
And swung the axe with mighty blow? 
And man with gaunt and graceless frame, 
Who still dared dream those dreams of fame? 
Who was this man — too young for care — 
With homely features, rustic air, 
That when the evening prayers were said, 
Back to his books on the hearth-stool sped, 
And the path of a nation's glory sought 
In the glare of the blaze of a pitch-pine knot? 
Our Abe. 

Who was the man simple and quaint 
Whose heart and thought were free of taint ; 
Whose mighty soul and strong right hand 
Reached out to save his native land ? 
That dared the giants of debate, 
His country's flag to desecrate, 
And in the name of Mammon's laws 
Defy the Union's righteous cause? — 
Who was this man with will of steel, 
Whose heart throbbed for his country's weal — ■ 
That saw the rising storm of woe 
And bared his bosom to the foe ? 
Old Abe. 

Who was the clear-eyed patriot brave, 
Who struck the shackles from the slave, 
And hurled against the threat of kings 
The war-beat of the eagle's wings? 
That listened to the martial tramp 
Of armed hosts in field and camp, 



96 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

With ears that caught the sound of strife 
As pledges for the nation's life? 
Who steered the ship past rock and shoal. 
Through storm-swept seas straight to the goal, 
And faced the fury of the blast 
With stars and stripes nailed to the mast ? 
Our Abe. 

Who was this man so wise, so great, 
That gave his life to save the State, 
Whose martyr crown the sun outshone 
In the glory of the Great W r hite Throne? 
Old Honest Abe. 



WORDS FOR A SPELLING MATCH 

The Hundred Most Commonly Misspelled Words in 
Our Language. 

Which, disappear, regretted, chimney, separate, mis- 
chief, noticeable, necessarily, develop, character, res- 
taurant, partition, whether, pursue, curiosity, capitol, 
February, origin, miniature, muscle. 

Benefited, exercise, poem, preparation, grammar, 
handkerchief, brethren, victuals, accommodate, pota- 
toes, persevere, disease, iron, embarrass, umbrella, mil- 
linery, business, together, arctic, sovereign. 

Acquiesce, beginning, particular, mischievous, par- 
allel, surprise, adjacent, several, judgment, thorough, 
pumpkin, laboratory, until, negroes, except, balloon, 
management, fulfill, recognize, geography. 

Analysis, principal, similar, cistern, lettuce, profes- 
sor, admittance, misspelled, elm, descendant, irrelevant, 
equipage, precede, government, foreigner, cemetery, 
occasion, analyze, deceit, conscience. 

Divisible, detached, hygiene, architect, changeable, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 97 

governor, siege, stationery, supersede, cleanse, niece, 
athletic, occurrence, vertical, alley, convenience, com- 
mitte, prejudice, ceiling, sufficient. 



WORDS FOR A PRONUNCIATION 
CONTEST 

Abdomen, address, adult, alias, alternate, applicable. 
brigand, condolence, construe, cuckoo, despicable, ex- 
quisite, e.rtant, gondola, harass, Hern/lean, hospitable, 
il/urtrate, impious, incomparable, inquiry, /amentable, 
misconstrue, pariah, obligatory, peremptory, preced- 
ence, precedent (adjective), precedent (noun), vagary. 

Adonis, amenable, apparatus, apricot, biography, 
brooch, brusque, cantaloupe, choler, Cleopatra, con- 
stable, coupon, culinary, defalcate, gape, garrulous, 
genealogy (not ology), genuine, Italian, Pall Mall 
(Pell Mell), pretty, quay, status, trow, xylophone, 
zoology. 

Aversion, designate, excursion, flaccid, has (He has 
to go), have (I have to go), oleomargarine, Persia, 
Persian, turgid, version, auxiliary, February, almond, 
pumpkin, athlete, athletic, casualty, conduit, falcon, 
often, salmon, finis, sarsaparilla, vaudeville. 



LIVING LETTERS 

A Novel Exercise in Pronunciation. 

Characters. 
Jack, James, Arthur, Schoolboys. 
May, Edith, Cora, Schoolgirls. 
The Twenty-six Letters of the Alphabet, Boys 

and Girls. 



98 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

An Extra E. 
An Extra G. 
An Extra O. 

Letters wear white dresses or waists, bright green 
ties and hair-ribbons of paper muslin. The letters 
are in green, twenty-eight inches long, fifteen inches 
wide, and have three-inch lines. These are mounted 
on heavy white paper and hung around the neck of 
each child by green muslin ribbons. 

The Letters should move quickly and noiselessly 
and the children should wear moccasins, if possible. 
The Letters forming the appropriate words should 
form in the cloak-room, in single tile, close together. 
When they move to stage they enter from left rear, 
and line up at rear, facing toward right, so that audi- 
enc does not read the word until the proper time, when 
the Letters face toward front and the word may be 
read by all. 

Care should be taken to have the letters in the proper 
order and to see that they move quickly and quietly. 

Scene: A school room, with six seats, three at left 
corner near front, three at right near front. Jack, 
James and Arthur seated at left, May, Edith and 
Cora seated at right. All studying. 

Jack. I'm not going to study any more. I've stud- 
ied so much now that I'm beginning to get gray hair. 

James. I'd rather read some interesting book. 

Arthur. Or go a-fishin '. 

May. He said " fishin '." Boys never pronounce 
the final g. Girls always say fishing. 

Edith. It's funny, isn't it? You boys can pro- 
nounce the final g, can't you? (Pronounce the last 
two words " can chew?"*) 

Arthur. Can chew? Of course we can chew. 
You mean can't you. Boys always say, can't you, 
not can chew. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 99 

Cora. We don't have to say can't you. You know 
what we mean when we say can chew, don't you? 
(last tzvo words pronounced don't chew.) 

Jack. Not don't chew, but don't you. Why can't 
girls speak correctly? 

• May. We don't have to. (Pronounce last tzvo 
words Jiaf to.) 

Arthur. Not haf to. Have to. H-a-v-e spells 
have. There is no such word in the English language 
as haf. Why do you say haf to? 

May. You think you're smart, don' chew? I 
mean, don't you ? 

Jack. We know we're smart. The only things 
girls think about is — (Letters run in from left, fac- 
ing right, suddenly turn, forming word clothes). 

Cora (noting that Jack has paused, but none of the 
children see the letters). Well, what, Mr. Jack? 

Jack (continuing after a pause). Is boys. 

May. I guess girls don't think of boys any more 
than the boys think of girls. We have more important 
things to think about, haven't we, girls. (Letters 
run out noiselessly at left.) 

Cora. Yes, indeed. The idea ! I never think 
about the boys. 

Edith. Nor I. 

James. Why, a girl is always thinking about boys. 
Whenever a girl laughs, she says, he, he, he ! You 
never hear a boy laugh she, she, she, do you? (Enter 
Letters forming words keep cool, bat they are fac- 
ing toward right and cannot be read by audience.) 

Edith. It isn't so. And you're horrid to say such 
a thing ! 

Cora. Indeed you are. Shame on you, James ! 

May. If that's what you think, we won't have any- 
thing more to do with you. (Letters face front 
showing keep cool.) 

Jack. Oh, that was just a joke. You can take 
a joke, can't chew? 



ioo SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

May. Oh, he said can't chew ? Remember, boys, 
always say, can't you ! It's only girls who can't chew. 
(Letters run out at left.) 

Arthur (writing in tablet). How do you spell 
weather ? 

Cora. I don't know whether you mean whether or 
weather ? 

Arthur. I don't pronounce whether like weather. 
I mean weather. 

May (spelling). W-e-t-h-e-r. 

James. That's a bad spell of weather. 

May (spelling). W-e-a-t-h-e-r. 

James. That's a good spell of weather. 

Arthur (writing). W-e-a-t-h-e-r. 

Enter Letters for stung. 

Jack. If you spell it without the " a," you'll be — 
(Letters face audience.) 

Arthur (as Jack pauses). I'll be what? 

Jack. If you leave out the " a," you'll be stung. 

Cora. Oh, no. You won't be stung by an a, it 
takes a bee to sting you. (Letters run out.) 

Arthur. If I had my way, I'd not allow any silent 
letters in spelling. I'd make a change. 

May. You can't change the spelling book. (Enter 
Letters for money.) 

James. There's one thing he can change, though. 

Cora. What's that? (Letters face front.) 

James. He changes his collar every morning. 
(Letters run out at left.) 

Jack. He does that because he has to. 

May. Not hass to, but has to. H-a-s spells has. 
There is no such word in the English language as hass. 
Boys always say " because he hass to," when they mean 
because he has to. 

Jack. You shouldn't talk. You said Italian (using 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 101 

long sound of i) the other day, when you meant Italian 
( using short sound). 

Cora. And you always say Perzhia, when you mean 
Persia. There is no such place as Perzhia, and the 
people of Persia are Persians, not Perzhians. 

Arthur. But I have heard you say apricot (short 
sound of a), when you meant apricot (long sound of 
a). 

Cora. Either way is correct. 

Arthur. But the best authorities say •* apricot " 
(long a). 

Cora. At any rate, I know how to pronounce 
g-e-n-u-i-n-e. You call it genuine, as though it 
rhymed with quinine. 

Edith. Ever so many people mispronounce com- 
mon little words like almond, pumpkin and often. 
They try to sound the 1 in almond, and the t in often, 
but forget the second p*in pumpkin. 

Letters (heard singing in the cloak-room, first sing 
the stanza through softly, then repeat it loudly, as they 
march in, in time to the singing, and stand at the rear, 
facing audience). 

MUSICAL ALPHABET 

Golden Book of Favorite Songs. 



Little living letters, we, 




Hear us sav our ABC; 




A B C D E. F 


G 


HI J K L M 


NOP; 


O R S and T U 


V 


W and X Y Z. 




Little living letters, we, 




Hear us say our ABC! 




(Repeat until they have 


lined up at rear.) 



Edith. Oh, look there! 



102 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Cora. It's letters. Am I asleep, or am I awake? 

Arthur. Look at them. 

May. I never saw such a thing. This must he a 
dream. 

Jack. Surely it is. We're all asleep. 

(Letters step forward and spell wake up, the other 
Letters turn their back to au'dience.) 

James. Wake up! I'll bet this place is haunted. 
They're ghosts, and if they are, I'm goin' to be goin'. 

G. {comes dozen and shakes finger at James, all 
other Letters turn backs to audience at rear). You 
said " goin' " instead of going. What have I ever 
done to you, that you should slight me in such a manner 
as that ? 

James. Why who are you? 

G. I am the slighted letter G. 

James. Oh, gee! 

G. You say readin', writin', runnin', thinkin' on 
every occasion. Why not say reading, writing, run- 
ning, thinking? Then I'll receive my just due. (Re- 
tires. ) 

X. (comes forward). I'm the unknown quantity. 

May. Then you're X, aren't you? 

X. Xactly. And I'm Xtra fine, too. 

May. I'm pleased to meet you, X. 

X. Xcuse me, you're a girl and girls are always 
pleased with an X. 

May. If I can't get an X, I'll take a Y. 

V. (comes forward). V stands for five. 
' Edith. Just hear V talk. I didn't know you could 
talk. 

V. Money talks and I am a V. 

Z. (comes forward). I am Z, and I make things 
buzz. Last but not least. 

Jack. Three cheers for the living letters. 

Boys and Girls. Rah, rah, rah ; rah, rah, rah ; rah, 
rah, rah, Letters, Letters, Letters ! 

Letters (march around and sing). 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 



103 



Little living letters, we, 

Hear us say our A B C ; 

A B C D E F G 
HI J K L M X O P; 
Q R S and T U V 
W and X Y Z. 

Little living letters, we, 

Hear us say our A B C. 

Jack. I never was so surprised in my life. We're 
mighty glad to meet you, Letters. I always did 
like you. In fact, there's only one thing I like better. 

(Letters form word girls, these Letters stepping 
to front, the other Letters turning backs.) 

Arthur. Oh, see! Girls, that's what you like, 
Jack. Girls! 

Cora. Well, what if he does ? I like — 

(Letters spell boys.) 

Edith. You like boys. But there are finer things 
than boys to think about. My thoughts are on the 
great and grand things of life. 

Jack. What things do you like best, Edith? 

(Letters spell fudge.) 

Edith (reading). F-u-d-g-e ! Fudge. Xonsense. 
I don't at all. You must think I'm a 

(Letters form jay.) 

Cora. Let's have some fun with the letters. Can't 
we all play some game? (Letters spell going.) 

Jack. Going? So soon? And we were just be- 
ginning to get acquainted. (Letters move toward 
door and spell gone, the other Letters go out.) 

May. Gone! TheyVe going, going, gone! (Let- 
ters all run out.) 

James. And now what are we going to do? 

Cora. I think the best thing we can do is to start 
studying our lessons for tomorrow. (All study.) 

Enter three Letters and form word end. 



curtain 



104 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

A GOOD THANKSGIVING 

Reader. 

Said Old Gentleman Gay, ""On Thanksgiving Day. 

If you want a good time, then give something away." 

So he sent a fat turkey to Shoemaker Price, 

And the Shoemaker said, "What a big bird ! How nice !" 

Boy dressed as a gentleman in silk hat, long coat, 
spectacles, etc., enters from left carrying basket. 
Shoemaker discovered mending shoes. The shoemaker 
is old, face wrinkled with dark chalk lines and he wears 
old clothes. Gay gives Price the basket. Price as- 
tonished. Price looks in, is delighted. Shakes hands 
with Gay. Gay exits. Price capers around basket, 
peering in, smacking lips, etc. 

Price. 

Now since a good dinner's before me, I ought 

To give poor Widow Lee the small chicken I bought. 

Price takes basket and goes out, but immediately 
returns with smaller basket. The Widow Lee comes 
in. He gives her the small basket. She peers in, is 
delighted. Shakes his hand with both of hers. He 
goes out. 

Widow (peering in basket). 

This fine chicken, oh, see ! I'm a proud Widow Lee, 
And the kindness that gave it, how precious to me ! 
I would like to make someone as happy as I — 
I'll give Washwoman Biddy my big pumpkin pie. 

(Hurries out.) 

Biddy dressed in calico and apron, hair parted and 
knotted, is seen washing. Knock heard. She dries 
hands and goes to door. Enter Widow Lee witJi pie 
wrapped in paper. Both bozv and shake hands. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 105 

Biddy dusts off chair and Widow sits. They talk in 
pantomime. Widow presents Biddy with pie. Biddy 
removes paper, and capers for joy. Kisses Widow, 
who exits after returning the kiss. (Biddy cuts and 
eats a piece of pie.) 

Biddy (dancing around). 

Just look at it now, 'tis the queen of all pies ! 

Sure a sight of its yellow face gladdens my eyes ! 

Now it's my turn, I think, and a swate ginger cake 

For the motherless Finnegan children I'll bake. 

(Hurries out.) 

Enter Biddy with cake in tin. She looks out of win- 
dow and beckons. Enter Rose, Denny and Hugh, 
dressed in tattered clothes. She gives them the cake. 
They arc delighted. 

Rose. A sweet cake all our own, 'tis too good to be 
true. 

Biddy. There's enough for you all, Rose, Denny 
and Hugh. 

Denny. 

It smells sweet of spice, and we'll carry a slice 

To poor little lame Jake, who has nothing that's nice. 

Enter little Lame Jake ; they give him a big slice, 
All eat. 

Hugh. There's a big piece for you, poor, little, 
lame Jake. 

Jake. 

Oh, what a bootiful, bootiful, bootiful cake! 

I thank you and thank you ! I'll save all the crumbs. 

And will give 'em to each little sparrow that comes. 

Reader. 

The best thing that hearts that are thankful can do 
Is this : to make thankful some other hearts, too. 



106 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

THE BIRD PLAY 
Nature Dialogue for an Entire School. 

CHARACTERS : 

Joe, Frank, George, Fred, Edwin (io or n years 
old). 

Harry, Tom, Leo, Dan, Murray, Norman (12 to 
14 years old). 

Leviticus Jupiter Jackson {colored boy; may be a 
white boy with face and hands blackened with burnt 
cork). 

Hazel, Helen, Ruth, Bernice, Bertha, Fa ye (10 
or 11 years old). 

Lucile, Aline, Margaret, Pearl, Dorothy, Chris- 
tine {12 or 13). 

Frances, Stella, Edna, Jean (any age). 

Time: A Spring Afternoon. 

Occasion : Going Home from School. Children 

carry books, etc., and wear hats and clothing suitable 

for Spring. 

Enter Lucile, Aline, Margaret, Pearl, Dorothy, 
Christine and Frances walking in groups with arms 
intertwined. They come in from the left and walk 
toward the right. 

Lucile. School is over for today. 

Aline. Yes, and we had such a lovely nature lesson 
in our room. 

Christine. So did we. All about birds. 

Margaret. Why, that's what our lesson was about, 
too. 

Pearl. Let's sit down here in the shade. \Ye have 
over an hour until it's time to go home. 

Dorothy. And it's such a beautiful spring after- 



SCHOOLROOM ILSTliKT. 1INMEN1 S 107 

noon. (They sit or recline in a pretty group at right 
of platform.) 

Enter Stella, Edna, Jean, Hazel, Helen, Ruth, 
Bern ice, Bertha and Faye in groups from left. 
They come to center of stage. 

Stella. Why are you all sitting here, girls, are you 
going to have a picnic? 

Lucile. No, we're just enjoying the spring after- 
noon. 

Francis. Sit down, girls, and we'll pretend we're 
having a picnic. 

Edna. We will. And we'll talk about the birds. 
(Second group sit or recline at center.) 

Hazel. Isn't this fine? I just love the Spring! 

Enter all the boys, except Jupiter. They sit at left 
of stage. 

Joe. What's going on here ? Are we going to have 
school out here in the woods ? 

Norman. I've had enough school for today. 

Ruth. And watch the birds. 

Aline. Let's sing a song. 

Frank. No, come on, boys, let's have a game of 
baseball. 

Edwin. We won't have time. Go ahead with your 
song, Alice. We'll all join in the chorus. 

Faye. Let's*- sing a round. Do you know "The 
Spring " ? 

Murray. Sure. Start her out. Go on, Aline. 

Song : " The Spring." 

The Spring is come, I hear the birds that sing from 
bush to bush. 

Hark ! Hark ! I hear them sing. 
The linnet and the little wren, the black-bird and the 

thrush. 



108 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

(The group of girls at right sing the first line alone, 
as they start on the second line, the group at center join 
in singing the first line. When the group at right sing 
third line, the group at center sing second line and the 
boys start in on the first line. On the words "Hark, 
hark, I hear them sing," the singers put right hands 
back of right ears and bend, toward right as if listen- 
ing to the birds. Repeat the round three times, the 
last time two of the boys produce bird-whistles and 
imitate the singing of birds.) 

Hazel. I like the Robin Redbreast best of all. 
This is the way he sings (imitates bird), "Cheery, 
cheery, be cheery ! Come out ! Come out ! " He 
wakes us up every morning singing, " Come out, come 
out, come out." Most birds love the Spring and Sum- 
mer, but the Robin loves the Autumn. (She rises, 
comes to center and recites.) 

Good-bye, good-bye to Summer, for Summer's nearly 

done, 
The garden smiling faintly, cool breezes in the sun, 
The thrushes now are silent, our swallows flown away, 
But Robin's here in coat or brown, and scarlet breast- 
knot gay. 

All (sing). 
O Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin, Robin dear, 
The Robin sings so sweetly in the falling of the year. 

Helen (comes to front and recites). 
Bright yellow, red or orange, the leaves come down in 

hosts, 
The trees are Indian princes, but soon they'll turn to 

ghosts ; 
The leath'ry pears and apples hang russet on the bough, 
'Tis Autumn, Autumn, Autumn late, 'twill soon be 

Winter now. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 109 

All (sing as before). 
O Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin, Robin dear, 
The Robin sings so sweetly in the falling of the year. 

Fa ye (comes to center and recites). 
The fire-side for the cricket, the wheatstack for the 

mouse, 
When trembling night winds moan all round the house ; 
The frosty ways like iron, the branches plumed with 

snow, 
Alas in Winter dead and dark, where can poor Robin 

go? 

All (sing as before). 
O Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin, Robin dear, 
The Robin sings so sweetly in the falling of the year. 
(All resume former positions.) 

Lucile. Did you know that the bird's eye is a won- 
derful little telescope? 

Tom. A telescope? How can that be? 

Lucile. It is, because it can adjust itself so that 
he can see both near and far objects. And it also has 
this arrangement, an extra little lid that hangs over 
the eye a little to protect it from the sun. When not 
needed, this is folded neatly and packed snugly away 
in one corner of the eye. 

Aline. I love the Oriole best. He looks like a 
flame of light with his bright yellow vest, as he whisks 
about among the apple blossoms. He has a queer, 
basket-like nest and hangs it on the slender tips of the 
elm branches far out of the reach of prowling cats. 

Margaret. The Baltimore Oriole is the prettiest 
bird I ever saw. Part of him is black and part is as 
red as fire. Sometimes folks call him the fire hang- 
bird. 

Leo. They call him that because his nest hangs 
down from the tree like a bag. 

Edwin. Don't you know why that is? Where they 



no SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

first came from, way clown in the torrid zone, they built 
their nests that way so the monkeys and snakes couldn't 
get their eggs. 

Bertha. Do they have red eggs? 

Edwin. Xo, black and white. Father calls these 
birds Golden Robins. 

Pearl. I'd like to be a swallow and fly away. They 
fly so swiftly that some people call them Swifts. I'd 
fly to the beautiful sunny isles away across the ocean. 

Murray. And get tired and drop down in the 
water. 

Dan. No, they don't fall in the water. They light 
on the top-masts of the ships at sea. 

Pearl. That would be better than living in a barn 
or swamp all winter. 

Dorothy. The Meadow Lark sings with pleasure, 
lisping notes. 

Christine. And the Blackbirds, a flock of thirty 
or more, sing a low sweet accompaniment, while the 
chief singer's voice rises above all the rest in a clear, 
strong, touching solo. 

Stella. There goes a bobolink, singing his tinkling, 
lively song as he circles above the tall grasses, alights 
on a slender twig, and tilts up and down just ready to 
burst with fun. He sings (imitates). Bobolink, 
bobolink, spink, spank, spink ! June is here ! June, 
June, June ! Spink, spank, spink ! Bobolink !" 

Jean. I'd be a mocking-bird. He can sing sweeter 
than the nightingale. Mother says she saw one whistle 
to the dog and then chirp like a chicken. They imitate 
every sound they hear. 

George. I'd like to be a water-bird, then I could go 
to sea. 

Frank. How'd you like to be a loon? 

Joe. Or a sea-gull? 

George. Fine. "What would you rather be, Harry? 

Harry. I guess I'll be an ostrich. They are strong 
and can run so fast. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS in 

Joe. And you could eat leather, stones and old iron. 
Nothing hurts an ostrich. I heard of one that swal- 
lowed a lady's parasol. 

Aline. I think the whip-poor-will is a lovely bird. 
(Comes forward and sings " The Whippoorwill Song," 
the others join in the Chorus.) 

Frances. The Red Thrush is the sweetest singer in 
Xew England. 

Edna. And don't forget the beautiful sad notes of 
the Mourning Dove. 

Fred. A farmer, one day in summer, had a large 
field of grass drying in the sun. A shower was hiding 
in a cloud not far away and planning to cause the 
farmer much trouble. So a wise little Quail perched 
on a wall near-by cried, " More wet ! more wet ! " 
The farmer was warned and soon had his hay under 
shelter, but the little Quail slipped away looking so 
anxious lest any of her chicks, scampering after her, 
should come to harm. I'm never going to kill a bird. 

Dorothy (comes forward and recites). 
" There's a merry brown thrush sitting up in a tree, 
He's singing to me, he's singing to me. 
And what does he say, little girl, little boy, 
O ! the world's running over with joy. 

So the merry brown thrush sings away in the tree, 
I've a nest down there and children three, 
Don't meddle, don't touch, little girl, little boy, 
Or the world will lose some of its joy." 

Jean. The Whip-poor-will and Nighthawk do not 
build a pretty nest, but dig out a little hollow 7 in the 
ground to lay their eggs in. The Owl will take pos- 
session of a Crow's deserted nest, and there, without 
even taking the trouble to repair it, will lay her eggs 
and bring up her family. 

Bernice. Sometimes the owl is dressed in grey, 
sometimes in mottled, and sometimes in white feathers; 



ii2 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

now and then you will see one with long tufts of feath- 
ers which look like horns on either side of its head; 
but his disposition is always the same. Poor, solemn, 
songless bird ! The Owl does us great good, for he 
catches thousands of insects that are very harmful to 
the farmer. 

Leo. I'd like to be an Owl. I could sit up all night. 
Frances. I guess you'd be scared in the dark. 
Leo. It wouldn't be dark if I were the Owl. 
Grown-up folks have the most fun after we're all in 
bed, but an Owl goes to bed in the daytime. 

Dan. I wouldn't like that. Think of all the fun 
you'd miss. I'd like to be a Parrot, for parrots can 
talk when they want to, and they have blue wings aiid 
red wings and green and yellow and all colors. 

Fred. I like the little Snow Bird that comes in the 
Winter Time. 

Aline. We know a song about the little Snow Bird. 
Aline and Helen come forward and sing " The 
Snow Bird." 

Aline and Helen (sing). 

The ground was all covered with snow one day. 
And two little children were busy at play. 
When a snow bird was sitting close by on a tree. 
And merrily singing his Chick-a-dee-dee. 
All (sirng). Chick-a-dee-dee, chick-a-dee-dee. 

And merrily singing his Chick-a-dee-dee. 
Aline (sings). 

He had not been singing that tune very long, 
Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song, 
" O sister! look out of the window," said he, 
" Here's a dear little bird singing chick-a-dee-dee ! " 
All {sing chorus as before). 
Helen (sings). 

If I were a bare-footed snow bird, I know, 
I would not stay out in the cold and the snow ; 
I wonder what makes him so full of his glee ; 
He's all the time singing that chick-a-dee-dee. 



$( IIOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 113 

All (sing chorus as before). 
Tom (sings). 

The bird had flown down for some crumbs of 

bread, 
And heard every word little Emily said; 
" What a figure I'd make in that dress." thought 

he, 
And he laughed as he warbles his chick-a-dee-dee. 
Boys (sing chorus as before). 
Tom (sings). 

" I am grateful," said he, " for the wish you 

express, 
But I've no occasion for such a fine dress ; 
I'd rather remain with my limbs all so free, 
Than to hobble about singing chick-a-dee-dee." 
All (sing chorus as before). 

Norman. I should think some of you girls would 
want to be a peacock. 

Ruth. Now, what do you say girls for? Boys 
think as much of their clothes as girls do. 

Bertha and Margaret. Yes, just exactly as much. 
Dorothy. Some girls are like peacocks. There's 
Malvina Dusenberry, I saw her walking along Main 
Street yesterday, mincing this way and that. With a 
new dress and a new parasol and new shoes and a new 
hat. First she'd hold her dress this way (imitates), 
then she'd toss her head this way (imitates) , then she'd 
mince this way showing her new shoes (imitates). 
She held her head up so high, she didn't see a mud 
puddle in the street when flop ! down she went and 
ruined dress, parasol and shoes. Poor little Malvina 
Dusenberry ! Poor little peacock ! 

Margaret. What bird would you like to be, little 
Hazel ? 

Hazel (the smallest girl). Vd rather be a hum- 
ming bird. 

Margaret. Why? 

Hazel. Cause they're so pretty and just as cunning. 



ii 4 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

And they keep with the flowers all the time and eat 
honey. 

Norman. I found a humming-bird's nest once. 
The inside of it- was just as soft as wool, and little 
bits of white eggs, like little bits of white beans. 

Joe (pointing to left). Oh, look who's coming, just 
as happy as the day is long. 

Ruth. Who is it, Joe? 

Joe. It's Leviticus Jupiter Jackson, the little colored 
boy who works for the grocery man. And he's sing- 

Jupiter (is heard singing in the cloak room). 

POLLY WOLLY DOODLE 

Jupiter (sings, not seen by audience). 

Oh, I went down South for to see my Sal, 

Sing Polly-wolly-doodle all the day, 
My Sally am a spunky gal, 

Sing Polly-wolly-doodle all the day. 

He enters carrying basket. 
Fare-thee well, fare-thee well, 
Fare-thee well, my fairy fay, 
For I'm going to Louisiana, 
For to see my Susi-anna, 
Sing Polly-wolly-doodle all the day. 
All. Hello, Leviticus Jupiter Jackson, where are 
you going. 

Jupiter. Good ebening, white chilluns, good eben- 
ing. Where's I gwine? I's (sings) a gwine to Louis- 
iana, for to see my Susi-anna, sing polly-wolly-doodle 
all the day. What you all doing here. Habing a 
picnic ? 

Bernice. No, we're just talking. Talking about 
birds. 

Jupiter. What kind ob talk is you all talking 'bout 
birds? 

Tom. Each one is telling about his favorite bird. 
Jupiter. Pshaw! Is dat so? (At center stand- 
ing.) 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 115 

Joe. Have you got a favorite bird, Leviticus Jupi- 
iier Jackson ? 

Jupiter. Hab I? Course I has. And what you 
think it is? 

Joe. I guess your favorite bird must be a black- 
bird. 

Jupiter. No tain't, no tain't. Mine is de bestest 
bird in all de world. Sometimes dey's black and 
sometimes dey's white, and mostest times dey's all kinds 
ob colors. Red and brown and yaller. And it's de 
bestest bird what am. 

Hazel. What bird is it, Leviticus? 

Jupiter. You can hab three guesses. 

Helen. Does it live near the water? 

Jupiter. No, ma'am, it ain't dat kind ob a bird at 
all. 

Helen. Does it live in a tree? 

Jupiter. No, ma'am, it ain't dat kind ob a bird at 
all. 

Helen. Does it sing a song? 

Jupiter. No, ma'am, it ain't dat kind ob a bird at 
all. 

Helen. Well, what does it do? 

Jupiter. It goes (imitates hen) cluck, cluck, cluck, 
cluck ! Ooo ! Cluck, cluck, cluck, Ooo (imitates 
rooster). Cock-a-doodle do ! 

All. It's a chicken. 

Jupiter (laughs loudly). Dat's right. Chicken. 
Dat's de bestest bird dere is. Ask any nigger and he'll 
tell you chicken ebery time. He ain't much to look at, 
and he can't sing, and he can't fly, but lawsy, lawsy, he 
shore am good to eat, he shore am good to eat. 

All (laughing). Yes, indeed, he shore am. 

Joe. You haven't any of you guessed my favorite 
bird. 

All. What is it, Joe? 

Joe. I have two favorites — the American Eagle 
and the American Turkey. First in war, first in peace, 



n6 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

and first on the tables of our countrymen. Here's to 
the Eagle and the Turkey, may the first give us peace 
in our States and the second a piece on our plates. 

All. Hurrah for the American Eagle. 

Joe. He can fly the highest, fight the hardest and 
is the king of the earth and the sky. He licked the 
Spanish armadillo, pulled the tail feather out of the 
Mexican Buzzard, once upon a time chased the British 
Lion clear across the Atlantic Ocean, and lately helped 
to show German Fritz that he belonged back of the 
Rhine. Three cheers for the American Eagle. 

All. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah ! 

Joe. And three cheers for the red, white and blue. 

(All go out at right singing the chorus of "Colum- 
bia, the Gem of the Ocean." 

CURTAIN. 

Note to Teacher : Decorate the room with paper 
birds and pictures of birds. 



WONDERS OF THE WORLD 

DIALOGUE FOR SEVEN BOYS AND SEVEN GIRLS 

Enter the Seven Girls dressed in Grecian draperies 
of zrfiite sheets, hair arranged in Grecian style with 
white tape. Arms bare. Sandals covered with white 
cloth. 

First Girl. The First Wonder of the Ancient 
World is the beautiful and large mausoleum which 
Artemesia erected in Helicarnassus to the memory of 
her husband, Mausolus, king of Caria. Concerning 
the tomb we know not much, but of Artemesia and of 
her excessive love for her husband many stories are 
told, one of which is that her grief for his death was 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 117 

so great that she mixed his ashes with water and drank 
them off. 

Second Girl. The Pyramid of Cheops is the Sec- 
ond Wonder of the World. It is 764 feet square at the 
base, and including 20 feet at the apex that have been 
removed is 500 feet high. The pyramid contained 
90,000,000 cubic feet of masonry, and covers an area 
of over 13 acres, being larger than Madison Square, 
New York, and twice the height of Trinity Church 
spire. There is enough material in this pyramid to 
build a city as large as Washington, including all its 
public buildings. Herodotus tells us 400,000 men 
were employed twenty years in building it. It was the 
tomb of kings. 

Third Girl. The Temple of Diana^ at Ephesus, is 
the Third Wonder of the World. The building of it 
occupied 220 years. The whole length of the temple 
was 425 feet, and the breadth 220 feet, with 127 col- 
umns of the Ionic order, in Parian marble, each a sin- 
gle shaft 60 feet high, and the gift of a king. 

Fourth Girl. The Fourth Wonder of the Ancient 
World was the walls and hanging gardens of Babylon. 
The walls were 337 feet 8 inches high and 84 feet 6 
inches broad. Inside the outer walls was a second of 
equal height. The famous hanging gardens were 400 
feet square. They were carried up on arches until the 
height equalled that of the city walls. On top the soil 
was made so deep that large trees could take root on 
it. 

Fifth Girl. The Fifth Wonder was the Colossus 
at Rhodes, a celebrated brazen image. It was twelve 
years in building, and was so large that it is popularly 
considered to have stood beside the mouth of the har- 
bor, and that ships sailed between its feet. There were 
few persons who could reach round the thumb with 
both arms, and its fingers were larger than most stat- 
utes. The cost was about $317,000. 

Sixth Girl. The Sixth W r onder was the Statue of 



n8 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Jupiter Olympus. This was by the famous sculptor, 
Phidias. The god was represented as seated on his 
throne of gold, ebony and ivory, the figure itself being 
on ivory and gold ; and, though seated, yet of such vast 
proportions it almost reached the ceiling of the temple, 
which was 68 feet high. 

Seventh Girl. The Seventh and last great Won- 
der of the Ancient World was the Pharos, a lighthouse 
550 feet high, at Alexandria, Egypt. Its light could be 
seen 100 miles out at sea. This tower was designed 
as a memorial of the king, Ptolemy, who ordered his 
name to be inscribed on the pediment.. The story goes 
that the architect, however, first cut his own name in 
the marble, placing over it in stucco the name of the 
king. In a few years the name of the king was worn 
away, leaving that of Sostratus, the architect, to blaze 
forever on the front of the unrivaled monument. And 
yet, not forever, as not a vestige of the monument has 
been visible for ages. (Girls retire to right.) 

Enter Seven Boys in modem costume from left. 

First Boy. The first great wonder of the mod- 
ern world is Niagara Falls. The Niagara River flows 
from Lake Erie north into Lake Ontario, its descent 
from the level of one lake to that of the other is 334 
feet. At the foot of Grand Island, which reaches 
within 1^2 miles of the Falls, the river is contracted 
to a width of 2]/ 2 miles, and grows narrower as it pro- 
ceeds. By this, and by the descent of the channel, 
which is about 60 feet in the mile, are produced the 
swift currents known as the rapids, making the river 
white with foam. At the Falls, which are 22 miles 
from Lake Erie, the river is divided by an island called 
Goat Island. The largest portion of the water is 
sent down by the Canadian side. Here may be seen 
the Horseshoe Fall, about 600 yards in width and 154 
feet high, The water rushes over with such force 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS ng 

that it is thrown about 50 feet from the foot of the 
cliff. The American Fall is about 8 to 10 feet higher 
than the Horseshoe Fall, but only about 220 yards 
wide. Power works are operated on either side of the 
Island to utilize the 16,000,000 horse-power energy pro- 
vided by the falls. 

Sfxond Boy. The second great wonder of the new 
world is Yosemite Valley, California, fifty-seven miles 
from Coulterville. A valley from eight to ten miles 
long, and about one mile wide. It has steep slopes 
about 3,500 feet high, a perpendicular precipice 3,098 
feet high ; a rock almost perpendicular 3,270 feet high, 
and waterfalls from 700 to 1,000 feet high. 

Third. The Mammoth Cave in Edmondson Coun- 
ty, Kentucky, is the largest known cave in the world. 
It consists of a series of caverns, and has been ex- 
plored to a distance of ten miles. In this cavern is 
Echo River, which may be crossed by a boat. Plenty 
of fish are found in the river, but they are without 
eyes, there being not the least gleam of light within 
the cave, and hence no need of eyes. All through the 
cave are found groups of curious and interesting fig- 
ures, sculptured by the action of the water among the 
rocks in past infinite ages. The temperature of the 
cave is always 59 degrees, Fahrenheit. 

Fourth Boy. The biggest trees in the world are 
the mammoth redwood trees of California. One of a 
grove in Tulare County is 276 feet in height, 108 feet 
in circumference at the base, and 76 feet at a point 
12 feet above the ground. Some of the trees are 376 
feet high, and 34 feet in diameter. Some of the larg- 
est that have been felled indicate an age of from 2,000 
to 2,500 years. 

Fifth Boy. The longest tunnel in the world is that 
of St. Gothard, on the line of railroad between Lucerne 
and Milan. The summit of the tunnel is 900 feet 
below the surface at Andermatt, and 6,600 feet beneath 
the peak of Kastlehorn, of the St. Gothard group. 



120 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

The tunnel is 26 l / 2 feet wide, and is 18 feet 10 inches 
from the floor to the crown of the arched roof. It is 
g]/> miles long. 

Sixth Boy. The Panama Canal, completed in 
19 1 6, is one of the wonders of the modern world, sepa- 
rating North from South America and connecting the 
Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean. On January 4, 1902, 
the Panama Company offered to sell its entire rights 
to the United States for $40,000,000. In June, 1902, 
the United States Congress passed a bill accepting the 
offer and deciding upon Panama as the route for the 
canal. On November 4, 1903, Panama, formerly a 
department of Colombia, seceded from that country, 
declared itself a republic, and assumed all the Canal 
Treaty obligations. The United States at once recog- 
nized the new government and agreed to pay $10,000,- 
000 for the rights granted, which included the control 
forever of a zone of land five miles wide on each side 
of the canal. The length of the canal is about 50 miles. 
The last barrier at the Pacific end was blown up Aug- 
ust 10, 191 3, and in October working vessels made the 
trip from ocean to ocean. 

Seventh Boy. The wonder that I wish to speak 
about is the wonder of all wonders. {The others all 
gather around him.) It is the progress of the world 
during the nineteenth century. The nineteenth cen- 
tury received from its predecessors the horse, and 
gave the bicycle, the locomotive and the motor car. We 
received the goose quill and bequeathed the typewriter. 
We received the scythe and bequeathed the mowing- 
machine. We received the hand-loom ; we bequeathed 
the cotton and woolen factory. We received the tal- 
low dip, we bequeathed the electric and arc lamps. We 
received the flint-lock, we bequeathed Maxims. We 
received the sailing ship, we bequeathed the steamship. 
We received the beacon signal fire, we bequeathed the 
telephone, telegraph and wireless telegraphy. Surely 



SCHOOLROOM ENTEKT. II. \ MUSTS 121 

the progress of the nineteenth century is the wonder of 
all wonders. 

All. Yes, the progress of the nineteenth century is 
the greatest wonder of all. 



DOCTOR FUNNYBONE'S HOSPITAL 

Humorous Dialogue Illustrating the Lazes of Hygiene. 

Characters: 

Doctor Funnybone: Boy dressed as an old man, 
long trousers, long coat, silk hat and large spectacles. 
White wig made' of cotton sewed on a skull cap. 
Small cotton mustache made of two triangular bits 
of cotton gummed on Up with glue. Small side- 
whiskers and chin whiskers. Get a stick of gray 
grease paint, and drazv gray lines around the eyes, 
wrinkles between the eye-brows and across the fore- 
head and from the corners of the nose to the corners 
of the mouth. These lines should not be too heavy. 
If grease paint is not available use soft lead pencil. 
Red bandana handkerchief. Flower in buttonhole. 
Cane. 

Miss Cosy, the Head Nurse. Large girl wearing long 
light blue or grey dress, white apron, collar, cuffs 
and cap. Red cross on sleeve. She carries a small 
tablet of paper attached to apron. 

Eight Nurses. Girls about the same height, dressed 
similar to Miss Cosy. 

Patsy Ricketts. Boy of if. Left foot done up in 
bandages. Walk with crutch. 



122 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Minerva Mulligan. Girl of 12. White wrapper. 

Head done up in bandages. 
Pollyanna Plummer. Girl of 14. Light wrapper. 

Arm in a sling. 
Billy O'Toole. Boy of 13 or 14. Face done up in 

bandages. 
Jimmie James. Boy of 10 or 12. Concealed by 

sheets in bed. Face pale. 
Obadiah Hezekiah H i ggin bottom. Boy of 7 or 8. 

Concealed by sheets. 
Lena Katrina Schmierkase. Girl of 9 or 10. Con- 
cealed by sheets. 
Rastus Jackson. A little colored boy of 13. May 

be played by a white boy with face blackened with 

burnt cork. 
Melindy Sourdrops. Girl of 13 dressed in wrapper. 

Walks with crutch. 
Teeny Weeny William. Little boy of 6 with thin 

piping voice. 
Melissa Clarissa McGinty. Girl of 13 or 14, 

dressed in wrapper. 

Scene : Represents the children's ward of a hos- 
pital. Four cots in a row at rear. If cots are not 
available little improvised beds may be made of 
benches or boards. Jimmie James, Obadiah, Lena 
and Rastus occupy these cots. Three little tables 
bearing medicine bottles, flowers, etc., stand between 
the tables. Large easy chair at center for the Doctor. 
Smaller chairs and stools around stage. Hang three 
sheets sewed together and strung on wire in front of 
the scene for a curtain. Before the play commences 
three sheets are drawn hiding the stage from the 
audience. 

The Doctor and the Children are heard singing 
behind the curtain. 



Si HOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 123 

THE RAINY DAY 

The rain is Calling very fast, we can't go out to play, 
Rut we are happy while we're here, though 'tis a rainy 

day. 
Then clap, clap, clap together, clap, clap away ; 
Our hospital's a happy place upon a rainy day. 

The curtain is drawn showing Doctor seated at cen- 
ter, with William on his lap. Patsy and Melindy 
and Pollyanna leaning against his chair at right. 
Billy and Melissa at left. Jimmie, Obadiah, Lena 
and Rastls in the little cots. 

All (sing second verse). 
For while the rain comes pattering down we merrily 

sing our song. 
To hearts content and spirits light time quickly speeds 

along. 
Then clap, clap, clap together, etc. 

All (sing third verse). 
We listen all attentively to what the doctors say, 
But when the sleeping time is o'er it's then the time to 

play. 
Then clap, clap, clap together, etc. 

All (sing the fourth verse). 
With smiling faces at our posts so orderly we stand, 
Then quickly turn and now sit down when doctor gives 

command. 
Then clap, clap, clap together, etc. 

Doctor. Now that everybody's feeling good and 
we have half an hour for a little recreation, what do 
you think we'd better do? 

Minerva. Let's play hide-and-seek. 

Doctor. Oh, we can't do that, Minerva. That 
takes too much running. Running is all right when 



124 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

we're all well and hearty, but it's a little out of place 
at a hospital party. I'm a poet, don't you know it? 
I like to show it, and now let's go it. 

Lena. Oh, Doctor, you vos der funniest mans vot 
I have already saw yet in all my living. 

Pollyanna. Doctor Funnybone ! 

Doctor. Well, what is it, 'Miss Pollyanna Plum- 
mer? 

Pollyanna. I've just thought of the most beauti- 
ful game. Let's all pretend we are angels. 

Doctor. Well, what do angels do, Pollyanna? 

Pollyanna. Oh, just go 'round and play harps 
and make everybody happy. That's what I like best 
of all. Just making everybody happy. 

Minerva. Let's play teaching school. And Doc- 
tor can be the teacher. 

Doctor. That's a good idea. Now first we'll have 
a lesson in physiology. 

William (in a piping little voice). I ain't got that 
fur yet, Doc. I'm only in numbers. 

Doctor. Well, shall we have a lesson in numbers? 

Patsy. Sure, sir, the first thing to do in school is 
fer you to call the roll. And thin all of us what are 
here says Prisint and thim that ain't here says Absint. 

Lena. Such a foolishness. Dem vot hain't here 
couldn't talk yet already. 

Doctor. - Never mind. Very well, little pupils. 
I'll call the roll. Patsy Ricketts. 

Patsy. I'm here, what's left of me after me acci- 
dent with the motor car. But in a couple of weeks 
I'll be walking as good as any of yees. 

Doctor. Of course, you will, Patsy. The next 
time you're riding in your express wagon across the 
street, you want to honk your horn and make the motor 
car get out of the way. Safety First, Patsy, me boy ! 
Minerva Mulligan ! 

Minerva. Sure, I'm here, too. But I got a abscess 
in the jaw. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 125 

Doctor. You'll be as fine as a new dollar in another 
week, Minerva. Then you must imitate your name- 
sake Minerva, the wisest of women, and clean your 
mouth every morning and every night. 

Minerva. You bet I will. I'll clean 'em twenty 
times a day rather than have another abscess in the 
jaw. 

Doctor. Pollyanna Plummer. 

Pollyanna. Present, Doctor. 

Doctor. And how's the arm, Pollyanna? 

Pollyanna. Oh, I've been thinking such beautiful 
thoughts, I haven't had time to think about the arm 
at all. It hardly hurts at all. And just think, Doc- 
tor Funnybone, it might have been both arms and both 
legs and even my head. As it is it's only just one little 
arm that's broke. I'm awful glad it wasn't my head. 

Minerva. You orter be glad you ain't got a abscess 
of the jaw. 

Doctor. Billy O'Toole ! 

Billy. Sure, I'm here, Doc, and I'm feelin' as fine 
as Bridget McSwinnigan's cow after it took a bath in 
the bath-tub. 

Doctor. Jimmie James. 

Jimmie (rises up in cot). Here I am, just as good 
as new and twict as handsome. I ain't hardly sick no 
more at all. 

Doctor. Fresh air is a great cure for tuberculosis 
of the lungs. 

Jimmie. I told maw I had two buckles on the lungs 
and she said if I did I must have swallered my sus- 
penders. 

Doctor. Obadiah Hezekiah Higginbottom ! 

Obadiah (rises up in cot). Here I am, Doctor. 
Feel kind of nervous, but jest as fine as a fiddle. 

Doctor (calling roll). Lena Katrina Schmierkase. 

Lena; Dot's me, und I'm as veil as never was. 
Maybe in der morning after next I can leave der 
horse-pistol und go back home maybe yet. 



126 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

Doctor. You'll be able to go home next week, Lena. 
Melindy Sourdrops. 

Melindy. Right here, Doc., Johnny on the spot, as 
the cat said when he swallowed the canary. 

Doctor (pause). What's become of Rastus? 
(Patsy turns sheet down showing Rastus fast 
asleep.) 

Patsy. Here he is, Doctor. And sure he's sound 
asleep. 

Minerva. He looks like a blackberry in a pan of 
milk. 

Patsy (waking him). Wake up, Rastus, wake up. 
Doctor's here. 

Rastus. Yas, sah. I'se awake. 'Deed I is. Has 
we got chicken giblets for dinner? 

Doctor. I'm calling the roll, Rastus. 

Rastus. Callin' de roll? Is dat roll good to eat, 
Doctor? 

Doctor. Not this time. You just say present. 

Rastus. Present. Call me again when de dinner 
bell rings. (Goes back to sleep.) 

Doctor. Teeny Weeny William ! 

William (stand up, faces Doctor squarely and 
gives him the military salute). Ay, ay, sir! 

Doctor. Melissa Clarissa McGinty ! 

Melissa. Present, teacher. 

Doctor. Now what must I do, Melissa? 

Melissa. You must ask us all kinds of questions 
about things. 

Doctor. I'll ask you about the human body. 
First, what is a skeleton? (Hands all up.) 

William (in his little piping voice). I know, 
teacher, I know. (Waves hand wildly.) 

Doctor. What is it, William? 

William. A skellington is people with all the meat 
rubbed off. (All laugh.) 

Melissa. The human body is composed of a head, 
trunk and two pairs of limbs. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 127 

Billy. Yes, and a stomach and a gizzard and lots 
of other things. 

Melissa (points to each). This is the skull, this is 
the humerus, this is the ulna and this is the radius. 

Pollyanna. And I got a busted radius. 

Patsy (pointing to each). And this is the femur 
and this is the spinal column. 

Obadiah. I know what the spinal column is, Doc- 
tor. 

Doctor. What is it, Obadiah ? 

Obadiah. It's a big thing that runs up and down 
your back, and it moves you this way (sways to right) 
and that way (sways to left). Your head sets on one 
end and you set on the other. 

Doctor. What are the bones for? 

Patsy. Sure and they give us shape. If we had 
no bones at all, at all, we'd be as limp and shapeless as 
a bag of sand. 

Doctor. What are the six great laws of health ? 

Melissa. Number One, the body must have a 
proper supply of proper food, such as wheat bread, a 
little meat or fish, fruit, cereals and vegetables. Pickles 
and ice-cream and candy ain't good if you take too 
much. 

Melindy. Number Two, we must have plenty of 
fresh air. It is a crime to sleep in a room with all the 
windows closed. Take long, deep breaths and expand 
the lungs with good pure air, then force it all out. 
This exercises the lungs and prevents tuberculosis. 

Jimmie. That's what I got, the two buckles on the 
lungs, and I got it by breathing bad air in a closed 
room all night. I'm going to sleep outdoors all the 
time when I get well, then I never will catch no cold 
no time. 

Lena. Number Three, the body must be sheltered 
from the weather so dot you ain't too hot or too cold. 
Keep the feet warm, keep out of drafts and don't 
never go out in der rain mitout a umbrella. 



128 SCHOOLROOM ENTER! AINMENTS 

Rastus. And always eat plenty ob fried chicken 
and watermelon. 

Billy. Number Four, the body must get rid of its 
poisonous wastes. Exercise plenty every day and take 
a warm bath and a cold rub right after it. 

Pollyanna. Number Five, the body must have 
exercise, rest and sleep. 

Minerva. Number Six, disease germs must not be 
allowed to get in the body and poison it. If I'd at- 
tended to my teeth I wouldn't be in here now with a 
abscess in the jaw. Keep out bad germs and microbes. 

William. What is a germ, Doctor. 

Minerva. It's a little wiggly thing about as big as 
a needle point. And flies carry them on their wings. 
That's the reason we should always kill the flies. They 
carry germs and can give us typhoid fever and rheuma- 
tism and appendicitis 

William. Where do the germs come from, Doctor? 

Lena. Don't you know where der germs come 
from, Villiam? Vy, der germs come from Germany, 
of course. Yoost like me. 

Patsy. If the germs come from Germany, begorry, 
the microbes must come from Ireland just like me. 

Doctor. Germs are generally very bad things. We 
give them a chance to get into food by allowing dust 
to blow in it ; by allowing flies to crawl over it ; by 
allowing mice, rats and roaches to run about in pan- 
tries ; by keeping the food exposed in dirty, dishes, and 
by handling it with dirty hands. 

Rastus. I'se got de indyspepsia, Doctor. What 
makes indyspepsia? 

Doctor. Eating your food too fast, Rastus. Food 
should be eaten slowly and thoroughly chewed to enjoy 
good digestion. 

Rastus. Dat's right, and it shore makes de good 
taste last longer, too. 

Doctor. Half of our trouble comes from poor 
digestion and poor breathing. Six breaths of cool, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 129 

fresh air taken at the open window, good long breaths, 
are worth more than five dollars to anyone. 

Rastus. I'd rather have de five dollars. 

Doctor. Then you'll have to give it to me to pay 
your doctor's bill. 

Rastus. No, sah. I take dat five dollars and buy 
'bout 'leben thousand fried chicken wif it, dat's what 
I'd do. 

Doctor. Minerva Mulligan, straighten up. Stand 
up straight and be a man. 

Minerva. I'll stand up straight and be a new 
woman, Doctor. Watch me. (Stands erect.) 

Doctor. All of you must remember that an erect 
carriage of the body does much to make and keep one 
strong. (All straighten up.) It gives the heart and 
the lungs room to do their work, and allows the blood 
to flow freely through all the body. 

William. I'm jest as straight as I can be, Doctor. 
And it feels lots better. 

Doctor. The body can be straightened only by 
tightening up the muscles along the back and straighten- 
ing the spinal column. Pull your chin in and push the 
back of your necks against your collar. Move the dia- 
phragm when you breathe. 

William. Please, Doctor, I ain't got no diagram. 

Doctor. Now who can tell me the hygienic habits 
we all should form? 

Minerva. Keep your teeth clean and you won't 
get an abscess in the jaw. It hurts awful. 

Rastus. Eat once in a while and chew your eats 
hard. 

Pollyanna. Breathe pure air and thus exercise 
the lungs whenever and wherever you can. 

William. Go to bed early and get up late. And 
keep your window open. 

Patsy. Take lots of exercise and hold yourself 
straight. 

Billy. Look out for germs and swat the flies, 



130 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

cause if you don't the germs'll git in you and hurt your 
innards. 

Melindy. Never use tobacco 'cause it weakens the 
heart and the digestive organs don't get enough blood. 
That brings heartburn and indigestion. Xobacco 
weakens the muscles, making your hands tremble, and 
it makes you awful nervous. Also it smells bad. 

Lena. Und take good care of your eyes, let the 
light come in by the left side and every leedle once in 
a while shut your eyes und give them a rest. Und 
don't let flies get in your mouth, it's a bad habit. 

Doctor. Yes, indeed, Lena, that's a very bad habit. 

Obadiah. Say, Doctor. 

Doctor. What is it, Obadiah? 

Obadiah. Why is it that some diseases is catch- 
ing? 

Doctor. All catching diseases are caused by germs. 

Lena. Yah, dots vot I said, und germs come from 
Germany. 

Doctor. When a person catches a disease he does 
so by getting germs into his body. Now, these germs 
that make us sick do not fall from the clouds or spring 
up from the earth, but come from people who are sick 
with disease germs. These germs are so small that 
millions of them can swim in a single drop of water. 

Billy. How can you kill them, Doctor? 

Doctor. They will die if they are thoroughly dried 
and they can be killed with hot water. If our bodies 
are strengthened by fresh air, deep breathing, cleanli- 
ness and exercise, they can resist the germs and often 
conquer them. Flies and mosquitoes carry these germs 
from place to place. 

Patsy. And flies hatch in garbage and filth. If 
garbage cans and piles of filth are screened there would 
soon be no flies. , 

Poll va xx a. Mosquitoes hatch in water. The best 
way to fight mosquitoes is to drain the pools of water, 
cover or remove the rain barrels, screen the cisterns, 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 131 

and carry away the old tin cans and buckets in which 
the mosquitoes hatch. 

Doctor. If mosquitoes trouble you make a little 
lotion of one part cedar oil, two parts oil of citronella 
and two parts spirits of camphor, and then you'll never 
be troubled by the stings. 

Melindy. Oh, Doctor, here comes Miss Cosy and 
her trained nurses. 

Doctor. They'll want to show you their morning 
exercise. Let's give them room. (All move to rear, 
taking chairs, etc., with them.) 

Music: Tramp, Tramp, Tramp. 

Enter from left Miss Cosy marching, followed by 
Eight Trained Nurses marching in couples. They 
march once around the room, keeping strict time to 
the music. Hold heads well up and march like sol- 
diers. Then line up in front facing audience. It is 
best to have the nine straight across the stage at front, 
but if the stage is small five may stand in front and 
four behind. 

Miss Cosy and Nurses (sing) : 

tramp, tramp, tramp! 

We're the nurses of the land, 
And we'd have you understand 
That we mean to propagate the laws of health ! 
Shun the germ and swat the fly, 
Or you'll know the reason why — 
That's the way to put disease upon the shelf. 
(They march around as they sing the chorus.) 

March, march, march, each one is marching, 
Save the Babies is our cry. 
Let the air and sunshine in, 
Banish dirt and filth and gin, 

Kill the skeeter, shun the germ and swat the fly ! 
(They line up in front as before and sing.) 



132 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

As we labor day by day. 

We can hear the people say, 

" They are working hard to help the world along," 

Screen the windows, clean the street, 

We shall never know defeat, 

Save the Babies is the burden of our song. 

(They march as before as they sing the chorus.) 

March, march, march, each one is marching, 

Save the Babies is our cry. 

Let the air and sunshine in, 

Banish dirt and filth and gin, 

Kill the skeeter, shun the germ and swat the fly! 

( The music continues softly, they line up in front 
as before and perform the following exercises in time 
to the music. Miss Cosy giving the commands) : 

i. Raise arms through front horizontals to high 
over head. The backs of the hands go before the 
palms, arms and fingers stretched out stiff and straight. 
Miss Cosy counts I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Rest! Rise 
on tiptoe as arms go up. 

2. Arms raised through side horizontals to high over 
head. Miss Cosy counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 

3. Raise legs to front horizontal. Toe pointed 
down to bring foot as nearly as possible in a straight 
line with leg. Do not bend the leg at knee. Head 
and trunk erect. Eight counts for left leg and eight 
for right. 

4. Half squat with arms to front or side horizon- 
tals. Lower the body, raising the heels, bending only 
at knees and hips. Knees turned out so that they will 
be in straight line with toes. As body descends raise 
the hands. Eight counts. 

5. Body flexions. Hands on hips, bend body for- 
ward. Keep legs straight at knees and the head in a 
straight line with the trunk, the body bending only at 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERT. UNMENTS 133 

hips. Trunk forward 8 counts. Trunk backward 8 
counts. Do not let the legs bend at the knees. Trunk 
alternately to right and left 16 counts. Do not let the 
head bend over toward the shoulders. 

March once around stage and line up at front. 

Miss Cosy. Our lesson today is on Keeping the 
Baby Well. No. 1. 

No. 1. A baby must not lie on feather pillows, but 
on a firm bed. 

Miss Cosy. Xo. 2. 

Xo. 2. A baby must never be allowed to crawl on 
a dirty Moor. Put down a clean sheet for the baby to 
crawl on. 

Miss Cosy. Xo. 3. 

No. 3. The baby must never be allowed to put 
things in its mouth. It must not eat bananas or any 
solid food until after it is a year old. 

Miss Cosy. Xo. 4. 

No. 4. The baby must have plenty of fresh air. 
Leave the windows open at night, but put a screen in 
front of the crib to keep off the draft. 

Mtss Cosy. No. 5. 

Xo. 5. If the baby is sick stop its milk at once, 
give it boiled water and send for the doctor. 

Miss Cosy. Xo. 6. 

X^o. 6. The baby should be fed at regular periods. 
Do not feed it every time it cries, but at the same time 
each day. 

Miss Cosy. Xo. 7. 

No. 7. The milk bottles must be well washed with 
hot water and borax, and rinsed and boiled before 
using. Never give the baby a pacifier or allow it to put 
its fingers in its mouth. 

Miss Cosy. No. 8. 

Xo. 8. Bathe the baby every day and in hot weather 
give it from 2 to 4 spongings with cool water. Wash 
and rinse the baby's clothes every day and hang them 



134 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

in the sunshine to dry. Never tell young children hor- 
rible stories, especially at bed-time. Teach the child 
to know no fear. 

Doctor (coming to Miss Cosy). Your young 
ladies have done very well, Miss Cosy. I congratulate 
you. We will now finish the recreation hour by sing- 
ing " Try, Try Again ! " (All sing.) 

— Walter Ben Hare. 



Curtain 



A RHYME OF OUR PRESIDENTS 

May be given as a recitation, or each child max recite 
a verse. 

The greatest of the world's great men, 
Soldier and statesman, sword and pen 
Are symbols of George Washington, 
First of the Presidents, Freedom's son. 

John Adams was the second one, 

And the Capital moved to Washington. 

Thomas Jefferson was next in line, 
From 1801 to 1809. 
Ohio admitted, Louisiana bought, 
Slave trade abolished, embargo wrought, 
Steamboat invented, and Lewis and Clark 
In the far Northwest blazed their mark. 

In James Madison's day the British once more 
For two years oppressed us on sea and on shore. 
Our Capital City was taken and burned, 
But victory was ours, and the British returned. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 135 

The fifth President was James Monroe. 
The Monroe Doctrine all of us know : 
Xo foreign power should evermore dare 
To invade the New World, its glories to share. 
Florida purchased, five new States seated, 
And the Erie Canal in triumph completed. 

John Quincy Adams was John Adams' son, 
The sixth President, and an excellent one. 

Then came Andrew Jackson, from '29 

To 'yj his star did shine. 

Black Hawks and Seminoles both were chastised, 

Chicago was founded, the Bank was capsized. 

Martin Van Buren, the first Democrat 
To enter the White House, a born diplomat. 
A great business panic swept over the land, 
And Michigan entered the Union, so grand. 

William Henry Harrison next came in view, 
But died a month later, a good man and true. 

John Tyler, the first Vice-President, he, 
To take the chair that death left free. 

From '45 to '49, 

James K. Polk was next in line. 

Florida, Texas, Iowa, too, 

New stars added to Red, White and Blue. 

The Mormons fled to the Great Salt Lake. 

The Lone Star State was the mighty stake 

Of our Mexican war. Our gallant men 

Returned victorious once again. 

And in eighteen hundred and forty-eight 

Old Wisconsin became a State. 

Zachary Taylor led the band 

That wrested Texas from the Mexican hand. 



136 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

This paved his way to national fame 
And our twelfth President he became. 
But he died in office, at the set of sun, 
Old Rough and Ready's work was done. 

Millard Fillmore then began 
To live his motto " Will and Can." 
California with veins of gold 
In 1850 joined the fold. 

Franklin Pierce in '53, 

The fourteenth President you see. 

The Underground Railway worked anew, 

The Republican Party came in view. 

James Buchanan, an Irishman bold, 

His rugged hands the reins now hold. 

He had riches and honors, yet all of his life, 

He said, was a failure for lack of a wife. 

The Atlantic Cable first was laid, 

Minnesota and Oregon States were made. 

The John Brown raid was in '59, 

And the next year seceded old " South Caroline." 

Abraham Lincoln, raised by the hand 

Of God to save his native land. 

He steered the ship past rock and shoal, 

Through storm-swept seas straight to the goal. 

O Lincoln, stalwart, honest, brave, 

Who struck the shackles from the slave! 

A traitor's hand has laid you low, 

A madman's cunning, cowardly blow, 

But in our hearts you'll ever be 

Our Leader through Eternity. 

Andrew Johnson, a poor southern boy, 

Then climbed to the heights that but few enjoy. 



SCHOOLROOM ENTERT. UNMENTS 137 

The next President who comes in view 

Is a brave, honest soldier, who wore the blue, 

A man who knew not the meaning of fear, 

Ulysses S. Grant, to memory dear. 

The Indian outbreaks occurred once again, 

The Sioux were defeated, but Custer was slain. 

Chicago's great fire, Colorado was seated, 

The Pacific Railroad in glory completed! 

With Sherman and Grant in those terrible days, 
In the thick of the fight, was Rutherford Hayes, 
And so to the White House he marched right along, 
A soldier, a statesman, so gallant and strong. 

From a cabin he came on the wild frontier, 
Our twentieth President, to Americans dear. 
James A. Garfield his name, but a shot laid him low, 
And a nation who loved him was plunged into woe. 

This opened the way for the next President, 
Twas Chester A. Arthur, of noble intent. 

Grover Cleveland, the statesman, next was the choice, 

Democracy's son, and the people rejoice 

Even now at the policies, far-sighted, sane. 

Of the man who defeated the bland Mr. Blaine. 

And then, though defeated for the second term, 

Four years later his party was firm, 

And in '93 elected again, 

To serve four years, this leader of men. 

Benjamin Harrison next, the people said that 
It fitted him well, his grandfather's hat. 
William Henry Harrison, ninth President he, 
And the number of Benjamin was twenty-three. 

The name of McKinley we cherish and love, 
A martyr was he, called to regions above. 
Like a statesman he handled the war with Spain, 



138 SCHOOLROOM ENTERTAINMENTS 

The revolt in the Philippines told us again 
That here was a man sent by Heaven to lead 
Our nation to safety in time of great need. 

Hurrah, hurrah ! a mighty shout is heard on Juan Hill, 
We seem to hear that cavalry charge, the shouts of 

victory still 
Re-echo in our ears. We feel the joys we felt 
When the Rough Riders came marching home in the 

wake of Roosevelt. 
Our strenuous President was he, the man who knew 

no fears, 
He fought the trusts, and fought them hard, for eight 

exciting years. 
For every inch a man was he, and Anglo Saxon, Celt, 
Yankee and Latin tip their hats to Teddy 'Roosevelt. 

When Theodore Roosevelt's term was done, 
William Taft the election won. 
The twenty-sixth to fill the place 
In the great presidential race. 

Woodrow Wilson is twenty-seven, 

The Pacifier, sent from Heaven. 

When Europe seethed in war's alarm, 

He guided our ship with a master's arm. 

The Panama Gates he opened wide, 

This Teacher President, our country's pride! 

We've told them all from Washington 

Unto the twenty-seventh son. 

But just a word, in time to be 

The thirtieth President may be ME! 

Note: This recitation has been used successfully 
in all sections of the country, many eighth grade teach- 
ers having each boy and girl commit it in its entirety 
as an aid to establishing epochs in American history. 

THE END 



Star Bright 



By EDITH F, A. U. PAINTON 

Price, 35 Cents 

Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 6 males, 5 females. Time, 2y 2 hours. 
Scenes: 1 exterior, 2 interiors. Characters: Lemuel Bright, the 
stern father. Smith, a detective. Smythe, a student. Pulver, 
the villain. Jake, a rural widower. The Parson. Honor Bright, 
the wife. Star Bright, the elder daughter. Sunshine Bright, the 
younger daughter. Bird Denton, a college girl. Milinda, merely in 

l0Ve# SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Jake makes a morning call. Sunshine and Bird ex- 
change confidences. Smith solicits Bird's assistance. Westcott 
offers Sunshine a chance. "I'm on the job." 

Act II. — The wickedness of the world. A game of checkers. 
The picture gives Bird an unpleasant shock. A faded dress with 
old-time memories. Smith confesses a fancy for Sunshine. 
"Canned music" with varying effect. "That voice!" Jake prac- 
tices a little to strengthen his muscle. Westcott plays a trump 
card and the game seems to turn in his favor. Bird holds the 
joker and the game is saved. "You shall marry her!" 

Act III. — Sunshine hears the true story of the lost Star. 
Madame Ormand wins Sunshine's confidence. "The picture with 
its face turned toward the wall." "Just in time for the cere- 
mony!" Ethelbert Ferdinand Delancy is unmasked. "Do your 
worst, Madam! -I defy you!" The draping of the wedding veil 
serves to reveal the bride's heart. "This marriage cannot be. I 
forbid it!" Smith explains and Star comes into her own. Sunny 
dreams come true at once. Jake strikes a bargain. "Come on, 
'L.indy!" 

A Country Boy Scout 

By WALTER BEN HARE 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy-drama in 3 acts; 14 males. Time, about 2 hours. 
Scene: 1 interior, a country grocery store. Full of action and 
ginger that will please all boys. A tug-of-war over a pair of 
overalls, a rough-house baseball game in a grocery store, a negro's 
fright over a ghost in a barrel, Boy Scout songs, drills, aims and 
mottoes, are features of the play. The reclamation of a band of 
tough breaker boys in the coal mines of Pennsylvania is the main 
theme. A side-splitting negro, a Chinaman, a Jew money-shark, 
and several types of red-blooded, fun-loving boys are bound to 
make this play a big success wherever produced. Strong dramatic 
climaxes, brim full of comedy and stunts. 

Pat's Matrimonial Venture 

By WARD MACAU LEY. 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy; 1 male, 2 females. Time, 25 minutes. A blundering 
Irishman, who has answered a matrimonial advertisement, gets into 
the wrong house and meets a widow who wants a hired man and 
not a husband. A comical mix-up. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Deacon Dubbs 

By WALTER BEN HARE 

Price, 35 Cents 

A rural comedy-drama in 3 acts; 5 males, 5 females. Time, 
2M hours. One scene throughout, a farmyard, not difficult to set. 
A play of pathos, clean cut rural comedy, local color and a touch 
of sensation, making a truly great offering for amateurs. It is 
professional-like in construction, yet easily within the scope of any 
amateur society. The types are true to life, not exaggerated cari- 
catures. The star role is a comedy old farmer, not the usual stage 
type of hayseed, but the real, genuine, kind hearted, wise old 
Deacon, a part as appealing in its way, as Uncle Josh Whitcomb, 
Nathaniel "Berry or David Harum. The heroine, Rose Raleigh, 
the brave little school ma'am, is a strong, emotional part. A 
country boy and a Swede hired girl are great comedy parts; also 
a comedy old maid (almost a star part), tomboy soubrette. A 
finely drawn hero, character auctioneer, an excellent villain, etc. 
The characters are almost all equally good. A male quartet and 
a crowd of villagers will greatly add to the success of the play. 
A feature scene in each act: A country auction, a country wed- 
ding, a country husking bee. This play is a sure hit. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Rose Cottage on an afternoon in June. Tennie Tensen, 
the Swedish hired girl, wants to borrow some jumps and decides to 
bid on the hired man at the auction, as "he bane a purty gude 
looking feller." Miss Philipena arranges for the auction sale. 
Rose and Amos. "Out of the broken ruins of time fair blossoms 
grow, God's last amen is a white rose." The Deacon arrives from 
Sorghum Center, State o' "West Virginny. "Ding, dong, bell, 
pussy's in the well." The farm is sold to Rose Raleigh for two 
thousand dollars. The defeat of Rawdon Crawley. 

Act II. — Same scene, a morning in August. Wedding bells. 
"Happy is the bride that the sun shines on." Deuteronomy and 
Yennie bring wedding presents. Miss Philipena takes a nap with 
disastrous results. Yennie is scared. "Your face, it bane put on 
backwards." Back from the grave. "You are my wife. Take 
off that bridal wreath, that sparkling necklace." "Who is this 
man?" The Deacon arrests Rawdon Crawley. 

Act TIL — Same scene but a year later and in autumn. The 
husking bee. Songs and merriment by the villagers. "Rawdon 
Crawley has escaped!" "This is my punishment and my punish- 
ment is more than I can bear." The Deacon returns from New 
York. Miss Philipena and the fractious cow. The Deacon's night- 
mare. "Cork, cork, cork!" A wheelbarrow for two. The Virginia 
reel. The death of Rawdon Crawley. "We'll have a double wed- 
ding and for a honeymoon we'll all go down to Sorghum Center, 
State o' West Virginny." 

Their First Quarrel 

By CHARLES NEVERS HOLMES. 

Price, 25 Cents 

A comedy; 1 male, 1 female. Time, 15 minutes. A bit of glue, 

Which has the appearance of chewing gum, underneath the seat of 

a chair — and "that's how the trouble began." A subtle bit of humor 

that will surely please. Could be played in a pa rlor without scenery. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Lady of the Library 

By EDITH F. A. U. PAINTON 
Price, 35 Cents 

A delightful comedy-drama of village life in 3 acts; 5 males, 
10 females. Time, 2 hours. Scene: Reading room of a public 
library; easily set. A most refined and lovable librarian of 60 
years, surprisingly youthful in appearance and manner, plays the 
leading role. Through her selection of literature the town has 
been brought up to a high standard. Although sincerely in love 
with a certain judge, she has allowed the whims of others to 
keep them apart for many years; however, they are finally united. 
Pearl, the pretty ingenue, a strong part. Bits of good comedy 
furnished by two typical old maids, a movie actress, newlyweds 
and the "proprietor of the dust rag." A story that inspires the 
most pleasant thoughts and is bound to find its way to the heart 
of every audience. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Morning at the Library. A movie actress in ordinary 
role. "Miss Avis won't be an old maid when she's a hundred." 
Burr warns Pearl against the fate of a spinster. The missing 
book. Mrs. Nelson recalls old times. The new preacher feels 
called to set to rights a few things. "Would you close the doors 
of knowledge to your four-footed brothers?" Mrs. Edgeworth 
exerts her authority. A startling insinuation. Avis unlocks the 
chambers of the past. "God be merciful to all who are born 
women!" 

Act II. — Mrs. Edgeworth on the war-path. Sam assumes the 
blame. "I'm the guy that put the sin in Cincinnati." The Judge's 
return takes everybody by surprise. The preacher interviews 
Pearl and Susanne appeals for religious instruction. Mrs. Edge- 
worth's accusation is met by opposition. "If this was the Judg- 
ment Day and you were the Angel of Death itself, I could give 
no other answer!" "I would stake my very life on her honesty." 

Act III. — Sam gets poetic through literary association. The 
preacher hears the story of Pearl's origin. Avis resigns her 
position. The Judge hears of the pearl ring and finds the long- 
sought child. Mrs. Edgeworth's change of heart. "Of course 
the dear child was not at all to blame." The Judge reveals the 
mystery of the lost volume and Burr contributes his share to 
the revelation. Pearl speaks her mind. "I have nothing what- 
ever to say to Burr's mother." Mrs. Edgeworth rejoices. "I 
have always longed for a daughter." Susanne frightens the min- 
ister. "Go away, lady!" Avis receives and answers her letter at 
last. The Judge "considers their ages" and gets his "turn" at 
last. "Is it too late to find the minister?" 



At Harmony Junction 

By FREDERICK G. JOHNSON 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy character sketch for a singing quartette; 4 males. 
Time, 20 minutes. The rube station agent, the colored porter, 
the tramp and the stranger supply mirth and melody while wait- 
ing for the train "due th' day before yistiddy." 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



The Spark of Life 

By HARRY L. NEWTON 

Price, 25 Cents 

Fantastic comedy in 3 acts; 4 males, 4 females. Time, 2 
hours. Scenes: 1 interior, 1 exterior. Characters: Herman 
Heinie, a German doll maker. Bud Barlow, a college youth. 
Tommy Tucker, the "darling child." Willard Peck, the mysterious 
stranger. Clarice, Bud's sweetheart. Toots Snodgrass, the house- 
maid. Mrs. Heinie, the old doll maker's second wife. Dora Mee, 
a neighbor's daughter. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Herman Heinie, the eccentric doll maker of Happy 
Hollow, searching for the Spark of Life with which to put the 
breath of life into his Masterpiece. Toots the maid of all work, 
who is afraid of work but knows how to extract a tip. "Ain't 
he just splen-did." The Mephistophelian plot which brings the 
doll to life. Everybody happy but not for long. The mysterious 
stranger "I beg your pardon." The dream comes true, but — 

Act II. — In which Mrs. Heinie falls in love with the devil, and 
the road of true love has many twists and turns. The mysterious 
stranger who will not "stay put." A new recipe for Angel Food, 
spoiled by too many cooks. The Masterpiece disappears. Sixes 
and sevens. "I'll paint my face and be a real lady." 

Act III. — "Everybody hates everybody they shouldn't and 
everybody loves everybody they shouldn't." Bud, the cause of it 
all, as popular as an Indian with the smallpox. The deception dis- 
closed. Herman turns over a new leaf. "I bought a new pair of 
trousers yesterday and by golly I'm going to wear them from now 
on. The worm turns, back to the kitchen where you belong. 
The fifty thousand dollar legacy sacrificed for love. A triple court- 
ship. "All my life I've been searching for the Spark of Life and 
now at last I've found it — it's love, that's what it is, love." "Ain't 
he just splen-did." 

Happy School Days 

By JESSIE A. KELLEY 

Price, 30 Cents 

Humorous entertainment; 14 males, 11 females. Time, about 
xV 2 hours. Scene: Easy interior. The old school entertainment has 
long been a prime favorite with societies, churches, etc., as a sure 
means of raising money. This is a new phase and breaks away 
from the traditional setting — the little school at the village, or at 
the country cross-roads. It being more cosmopolitan, depicting 
the humorous trials of the city principal and the teachers of the 
various grades. Introduces impish and fun-craving youngsters 
of many nationalities; their parents with ridiculous complaints and 
absurd ideas of our school system; janitor, school physician, truani 
officer, etc. More characters could be easily introduced. Drills, 
recitations, etc., may be added according to talent. The comic 
effect will be decidedly enhanced if played by prominent or elderly 
people. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Kicked Out of College 

By WALTER BEN HARE 

Price, 35 Cents 

College farce In 3 acts; 10 males, 9 females. Time, 2% hours. 
Scenes: 2 interiors. An excellent comedy of masterly construc- 
tion, abounding in incident and mirth provoking episode, rapid in 
action and cumulative in interest. Great opportunity is offered for 
juvenile comedian to impersonate a temperamental young lady. 
Side-splitting parts for coon and "cullud" wash-lady. Sporty col- 
lege boys, the hen-pecked husband, the brusque business man, the 
college grind, a suffragist leader, three dainty ingenues, a motherly 
old landlady, a frisky French demoiselle, a saucy kid of ten, and a 
slangy stenographer, add local college color and general interest. 
The most popular boy in college is so busy with an invention and 
with his various social and athletic activities, that he is dropped 
from the roll, but later makes good and is allowed to re-enter. 
SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — Room in "Ma" Baggsby's college boarding house. Col- 
lege pranks. The new "fawncy dawnces." Tad Cheseldine, the 
college cut-up, and his chum, Booties Benbow. "I've always told 
Booties that he ought to go to class at least once a week." The 
auto race. A rehearsal for the college play. "They say the cheild 
is in London." Betty and Jonquil visit the college. "I thought you 
were my long-lost darling baby!" Jonquil and Booties each think 
the other deaf. Kicked out of college. "Get married and settle 
down!" Booties introduces his first little wife. 

Act II. — Suite of rooms in Honeymoon Flats. The Benbows 
entertain. Salamanca Spivins, the black wash-lady, on a rampage. 
"Booties, pay the lady what you owe her." "Pay her yourself, 
you're my wife." "He's done gone and married a man!" Booties 
at work on his patent air brake. Fleurette. the lady from gay 
Paree. Salamanca returns with Riley, the cop. Booties introduces 
his second little wife. A little tea party. The suffragette parade. 
The jealous Mrs. McCann makes it hot for Sandy. "How many 
wives have you?" "He's joined the Mormons and hath taken unto 
himself two wives, and they're both suffragettes." 

Act III. — Same as Act II. Booties tries to explain. "The doc- 
tor positively forbids me to kiss anyone; it's not good for my 
complexion." Mr. Benbow begins to be suspicious. Riley, the 
cop, becomes a detective. "Not one penny of my money will ever 
come his way." "My wife, Flora McFlimsy." Jonquil and Betty 
get wise. "I'm awfully glad you're not married, Booties." Riley, 
disguised as a Freshman, gets the third degree. A trip to the 
moon. Mr. Gears offers Booties five thousand dollars for his in- 
vention. Booties becomes a student once again. The third little 
wife. 

All on a Summer's Day 

By LINDSEY BARBEE 

Price, 25 Cents 

Comedy; 4 males, 6 females. Time, 40 minutes. A newly 
married couple, at a summer hotel, who wish to disguise the 
fact that they are bride and groom, so overplay the part that 
they are mistaken for a pair of clever thieves, who have recently 
been operating in that section. It is full of action and the porch 
gossips supply the comedy. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



Macbeth a la Mode 

By WALTER BEN HARE. 

Price, 25 Cents 

School burletta in 3 acts; 7 males, 7 females, also teachers, 
students, etc., with only a few lines. Time, 1 X A hours. No scenery 
required, merely a front curtain and an easel with placards an- 
nouncing scenes. Plot: Willie Macbeth is the social leader of the 
Senior Class. With his friend Banquo he encounters Three 
Witches, who prophecy that he will pass his examinations, be 
elected to a class office and will play on the football team. The 
first two prophecies come true and in Act II, Lady Macbeth, his 
mother, arranges for him to play on the football team, by drugging 
the captain. Macbeth flies to the witches for further advice and 
learns that he will make a touchdown. He does, but runs with 
the ball toward the enemy's goal, thus losing the game for his 
own team. Contains five songs: "FairweU, My Fairy Fay," 
"Tact," "The Senior Class," "Music and Laughter" and "Good 
Night," all sung to college airs. This play is very humorous and 
particularly adapted for schools. 

THE WITCHES* CHANT 



Round about the cauldron go; 

Mathematics you must know. 

Let X equal the cold stone, 

When will Y be thirty-one? 

Drop that in the mystic pan; 

Tell me, pray, how old is Ann? 

Double, double, boil and bubble, 

Mathematics makes them trou- 
ble. 

Fillet of a fenny snake, 

In the cauldron boil and bake; 

Eye of newt and toe of frog, 

Wool of bat and tongue of dog, 

Biology makes 'em cut and jab. 

Thirteen hours a week in lab. 

Latin, Greek and German, too, 

Fifty pages make a stew. 

And to thicken up the mystery. 

Take two chapters English His- 
tory. 

Physics, French and English Lit, 



Spend an hour on each or git. 
All night long from six to three, 
Study math and chemistry. 
In the hours when you should 

dream, 
Write an English twelve-page 

theme. 
Work at night and Sunday, too. 
Outside reading you must do. 
Next day, when you're on the 

bunk, 
Teacher springs exam — you 

flunk. 
Double, double, boil and bubble, 
High school life is full of trouble. 
Cool it with a Freshman's blood, 
Then the charm is thick and 

good. 
By the pricking of my thumbs, 
Something wicked this way 

comes. 



Reminiscences of the Donation Party 

By JESSIE A. KELLEY. 
Price, 25 Cents 

The soliloquy of a minister's wife, with tableaux. For 40 or 
more characters, both sexes, although the number is optional and 
it can be presented with a smaller cast. Time, about 35 minutes. 
The wife at the side of the stage recounts the many amusing 
incidents of the party, tells who attended and what they brought, 
etc. The characters appear in pantomime. This entertainment is 
unique. It fills the demand for something that can be put on "at 
the last moment." It eliminates the usual long preparations re- 
quired in producing a play; no parts to memorize and it can be 
played on any platform. Highly humorous, replete with local hits 
and strongly recommended for church societies. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO 



* 



vfl<- 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free 



FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc. 
Price 25 Cents Each 

M. F. 

All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 
Aunt Harriet's Night Out, 35 

min 1 2 

Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 

35 min 11 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 30 min... 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon. 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Class Ship, 35 min 3 8 

Divided Attentions, 35 min... 1 4 

Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 

Getting Rid of Father, 20 min. 3 1 

Goose Creek Line, 1 hr 3 10 

Great Pumpkin Case, 35 min.. 12 



Hans Von Smash, 30 min 

Honest Peggy, 25 min 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 
Just Like a Woman, 35 min... 3 

Last Rehearsal, 25 min 2 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min.... 
Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 
Mis. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 
Not a Man in the Flouse, 40 m. 

Paper Wedding, 30 min 1 

Pat's Matrimonial " enture, 25 

min 1 

Patsy O' Wang, 35 min 4 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Sewing for the Heathen, 40 

min 9 

Shadows, 35 min 3 4 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 
Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 
Teacher Kin I Go Home, 35 

min 

Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min . . 

Two of a Kind. 40 min 2 

Uncle Dick's Mistake. 20 min.. 3 
Wanted: a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 
Wstch, a Wallet, and a Jack of 

Spades, 40 min 3 

Whole Truth. 40 min 5 

Who's the Boss? 30 min 3 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 
Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 

FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc. 
Price 15 Cents Each 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, 15 min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 
Before the Play Begins, 15 

min 2 1 



7 3 



Billy's Mishaps, 20 min 

Country Justice. 15 min 

Cow that Kicked Chicago, 25 m. 

Familv Strike. 20 min 

First-Class Hotel. 20 min 

For Love and FTonor, 20 min.. 
Fudge and a Buredar. 15 min.. 



Little Miss Enemy, 15 min. 



Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Lottie Sees It Through, 35 min. 3 4 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 

Please Pass the Cream, 20 min. 1 1 

Second Childhood, 15 min.... 2 2 

Smith's Unlucky Day, 20 min.. 1 1 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Wanted: A Hero, 20 min 1 1 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES 
Price 25 Cents Each 

Amateur, 15 min 1 1 

At Harmony Junction, 20 min. 4 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 

Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 

Hey, Rube ! 1 5 min 1 

It Might Happen, 20 min 1 



Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 

Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Gurl's Moder, 10m. 1 

Quick Lunch Cabaret, 20 min.. 4 

Si and I, 15 min 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Street Faker, 15 min 3 

Such Ignorance, 15 min 2 

Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 

Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 

Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella ^ Mender, 15 min.... 2 

Yait a Minute 2 

BLACK-FACE PLAYS 
Price 15 Cents Each 

Axin' Her Father, 25 min 2 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 

min 10 

Colored Honeymoon, 25 min. . . 2 

Coon Creek Courtship, 15 m... 1 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m. 14 
Darktown Fire Brigade, 25m.. 10 

Good Mornin' Judere, 35 min.. 9 

Hungry, 1 5 min 2 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 

Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 

Oh. Doctor! 30 min 6 

Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
What Happened to Hannah, 15 

min 1 



A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed in 

Denison's Catalogue 



T. S. DENISON & CO IVS PAN Y, Publishers ,1 54 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 

Illustrated Paper Covers, 



THE FAVORITE 
BOOK OF DRILLS 




IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attrac t i v e 
individual cov- 
er design. 



A Partial List 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

Verv clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dickens. 

Thirteen selections. 
Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 60,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostlv humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro. Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetrv. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



Monologues Grave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. 

Choice collections, pathetic, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 15 Nos. 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originality. 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 1 1 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Christmas Entertainer. 

Novel and diversified. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Fntertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exercises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Fasy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversions, socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

F.ntirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimw, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel: for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little t 
Yuletide Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

The Black-Face Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland.via the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jo kes, gags, etc. 

Large Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago 



I 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS % 



022 204 587 3 



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